Autism: New Practice Guidelines From the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
February 12, 2014
Medscape Psychiatry News
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manifests in early childhood and is characterized by qualitative abnormalities in social interactions, markedly aberrant communication skills, and restricted repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities (RRBs).
Essential update: New guidlines for autism spectrum disorder released
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has released new practice guidelines for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) . Recommendations include the following:
Due to the length of this article (22 pages) a
copy of the article is attached for reading / download / printing.
February 12, 2014
Medscape Psychiatry News
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manifests in early childhood and is characterized by qualitative abnormalities in social interactions, markedly aberrant communication skills, and restricted repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities (RRBs).
Essential update: New guidlines for autism spectrum disorder released
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has released new practice guidelines for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) . Recommendations include the following:
- Questions about core symptoms of ASD should be a routine part of psychiatric and developmental assessments of young children.
- If screening reveals significant ASD symptomatology, a thorough evaluation should be performed and possible comorbid diagnoses should be considered.
- Children with ASD should undergo a multidisciplinary assessment, including a physical examination, a hearing screen, communication and psychological tests, and genetic testing.
- Clinicians should help families obtain educational and behavioral interventions, such as applied behavioral analysis (ABA) programs.
- Pharmacotherapy should be offered for specific target symptoms or comorbid conditions.
- Clinicians should maintain an active role in the planning of long-term treatment.
- Families should be asked about the use of alternative/complementary treatments.
Due to the length of this article (22 pages) a
copy of the article is attached for reading / download / printing.
