Description
This course will increase knowledge among pediatric clinicians on evidence-based practices for screening, evaluation, referral for diagnosis and management of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Primer
The content in this Primer will provide strategies for pediatric clinicians and families to prepare for and successfully implement an office visit for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Upon completion of this prerequisite, you will be able to
- Discuss strategies to help families of children with ASD to prepare for an office visit with their pediatrician.
- Describe strategies to help pediatricians prepare for a successful office visit with a family of a child with ASD.
- Report techniques to enhance communication and build trust between pediatricians and families during an office visit.
Unit 1
This unit will provide learners with an overview of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition ASD diagnostic criteria, discuss clinical symptoms of ASD, and describe current ASD prevalence estimates.
Learning Objectives
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Define ASD using the framework of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria.
- Discuss clinical symptoms of ASD.
- Describe current ASD prevalence estimates and recent prevalence trends.
Unit 2
The unit will help learners identify evidence-based strategies and tools for autism spectrum disorder surveillance and screening.
Learning Objectives
- After completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) surveillance in routine pediatric care.
- Identify standardized ASD screening tests and describe strategies for ASD screening in a busy office.
- Explain how to communicate ASD screening results to families and facilitate appropriate referral and follow-up.
Unit 3
The unit will discuss strategies to collaborate with families to develop and conduct diagnostic evaluation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Learning Objectives
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe DSM-5 criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how to apply them under different circumstances.
- Report the importance of cognitive, language, motor and adaptive assessment as key components of an appropriate diagnostic evaluation for ASD.
- Recognize key elements in the history and physical exam that would guide further diagnostic evaluation.
- Explain and develop a plan with the family for medical diagnostic testing using shared decision making.
- Understand the indications for supplementary diagnostic medical testing.
Unit 4
This unit discusses recognition of behavioral/psychiatric conditions that can co-occur with ASD and describes strategies to collaborate with families to successfully manage these conditions.
Learning Objectives
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Recognize medical and behavioral/psychiatric conditions can co-occur with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Report management strategies of co-occurring conditions.
Unit 5
This unit discusses goals, benefits, and approaches to interventions for children with ASD.
Learning Objectives
After completing this session, participants will be able to:
- Report goals, benefits and approaches of intervention for children with ASD.
- Discuss evidence-based treatments for children with ASD.
- Identify strategies for implementing successful shared decision-making with families of children with ASD to come to agreement about appropriate intervention.
Unit 6
This unit discusses strategies to partner with and support families/caregivers of children with ASD.
Learning Objectives
After completing this session, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on families and caregivers.
- Describe strategies to partner and support families and caregivers of children with ASD.
- Report programs and supports for families and caregivers of children with ASD over the lifespan.
Course Details
- Start Date: April 20, 2020
- Online Access Expires: April 19, 2024
- Credit Expires: April 19, 2024
- Activity Type: Asynchronous Online Course
- Course ID: 58682
Acknowledgements
Dedication
This course is dedicated to Carolyn Bridgemohan, MD, FAAP. Dr Bridgemohan was a member of the AAP Autism Subcommittee and co-director of the Autism Spectrum Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr Bridgemohan developed and reviewed content included in this course. Her contributions to the field of autism spectrum disorder are numerous and will have outstanding impacts on the lives of children and families.
Faculty
Carolyn Bridgemohan, MD, FAAP
Paul Carbone, MD, FAAP
Susan L Hyman, MD, FAAP
Donna Johnson, MHS
Susan E Levy, MD, MPH, FAAP
Alyssa Rosen, MD
Lisa Shulman, MD, FAAP
Katharine Zuckerman, MD, MPH, FAAP
Contributors:
Patricia Dietz, DrPH, MPH
Georgina Peacock, MD, MPH, FAAP
Lisa Wiggins, PhD
