Question | Answer |
a neurological disorder that interferes with normal brain development
It affects the way sensory input is processed resulting in deficits in learning, reasoning, communication and social relationships,4x more prevalent in boys | Autism |
It is a spectrum disorder because it differs in degree and severity along a continuum
Left hemisphere dysfunction---language, reasoning, logic ------ savant syndrome | Autism |
Four major areas of assessment in autism | Language Development
Intellectual Development
Interpersonal Relationships
Motor Skills |
Autism is present from birth but usually diagnosed between ___ and ___ months | 18 24 |
The hallmark defining characteristic of autism | Failure to develop language |
In autism many parents present with complaint that they believe their child is | deaf (motor behavior of covering their ears) |
Pronoun reversal---I and You
Delayed or absent language
Language is such a clear defining characteristic that it is also a prognostic indicator. Failure to develop language by age 5 often hails a poor prognosis | Autism |
frequently points or tugs on caregiver to get needs met,easily frustrated in great part related to inability to communicate | Autism |
An initial complaint of parents is a lack of emotions, failure to bond, not wanting to be held, “appears to be in own world”, autistic aloneness | Autism |
Poor coordination
Tiptoe walking
Peculiar hand movements ---- flapping and clapping
Stereotyped body movements
Prone to injury | Autism |
Austism ND | Impaired verbal communication
Social isolation
Risk for injury |
What is an important consideration in treatment with Tranquilizers in an autistic child | Major Tranquilizers interfere with the growth hormone—on 3 months, off one |
decreases opiates in the brain. Shown to decrease self-injurious behavior but has no effect on language skills in autistic child | Naltrexone |
Important NI with the Hospitalized Child with Autism | Thorough assessment of child’s routines vital necessity
Involve parents
Provide parents with needed respite |
Resembles Autism but it is usually recognized later in childhood because there is normal language and communication development
Severe disturbance in social interactions | Asperger’s Disorder |
Usually does not manifest itself until age of 2 years after a period of normal development
Bizarre behavior, symbolic communication, marked regression, possible hallucinations and delusions | Asperger’s Disorder |
Observed only in females
Development of severe neuro deficits after period of normal pre and post natal development
Head circumference normal at birth but growth rate slows between 5 and 48 months. Progressive loss of previously acquired motor skills | Rett’s Disorder |
No exact known cause
Brain imaging does show changes in striatal region of the brain----reduced blood flow. Ritalin has been shown to increase blood flow to this area
Excessive gross motor activity is a defining characteristic | ADHD |
Major side effect is weight loss and delayed growth, a long acting drug that can be given once daily but most children on this need twice daily dosing, often needed to be given by school nurse. | methyphenidte HCL (Ritalin) |
Similar to Ritalin but advantage is once daily dosing but can be given in divided doses.
Black Box Warning: Some studies have shown children on this drug have increased risk of suicide
Must monitor weight and growth similar to Ritalin. | Atomoxetine HCL (Strattera) |
A disease that is characterized by progressive deterioration in cognitive functioning,exists on a continuum from mild to severe-- | Alzheimer’s |
Alzheimer’s Assessment Defensive Behaviors | Denial
Confabulation
Perseveration
Avoidance of questions |
Alzheimer’s Disease Four defining characteristics | Aphasia
Apraxia
Memory Impairment
Disturbances in Executive Functioning |
Tertiary level of prevention Alzheimer’s | Safety
Maintain optimal level of functioning
Simple Structured environment
Clear Communication ----multiple channels
Family support |
Alzheimer’s Medications | Tacrine (Cognex, THA)
Donepezil (Aricept)
Vitamin E
Ibuprofen
Estrogen |
Neurological disease marked by motor and verbal tics
Causes marked distress in social and occupational functioning
May appear as early as age of 2 but most commonly occurs around age 7 | Tourette’s Disorder |
Motor Tics
Usually involve head.
__________usually first symptom
Change in location, frequency and severity over time | eye blinking |
Verbal Tics
Words and Sounds
Coprolalia (uttering obscenities) | Tourette’s Disorder |