2. What is?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
+ A neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a person’s
ability to communicate and interact with others.
+ Autos means “self,” and the client with ASD
withdraws into the self. It may seem as if some clients
with ASD are in their own world and uninterested in
others. Some individuals avoid physical contact and
become very upset when touched.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
+ It is characterized by recurrent obsessions and
compulsions that interfere with a person’s daily life and
relationships.
+ Obsession is a persistent thought or desire
+ Compulsion is the uncontrollable urge to perform an act.
+ The obsession may be violent in nature and is usually
disturbing to the person; the person may try to ignore the
obsessive thought or deal with it by repeating an act
repeatedly
+ For this presentation, ASD is the original diagnosis, OCD is the concurrent diagnosis
+ ASD and OCD can sometimes have similar symptoms. However, they are different conditions.
+ Research from 2015 found that 17%Trusted Source of people with ASD also have OCD. This is higher than the
percentage of people with OCD in the general population.
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3. Onset & Causes?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
+ ASD begins in early childhood—between the ages of
18 months and 3 years
+ There’s no clear-cut cause of ASD. Research supports
genetic and environmental factors as some causes of
autism. Scientists believe there could be many
different causes of ASD that act together to change
the ways people develop.
+ It is one of the most common brain disorders
affecting children; boys are affected more often than
girls.
+ ASD can range from mild (e.g., an individual with
Asperger’s syndrome who has difficulties with social
function but who otherwise functions well
intellectually and at work) to severe (e.g., a child with
severe autism who is developmentally delayed and
who is unable to function independently).
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
+ OCD usually begins in the teen or young adult
years, but it can start in childhood
+ Experts aren’t sure of the exact cause of OCD.
Genetics, brain abnormalities, and the environment
are thought to play a role
+ Stressful events may trigger the OCD episodes or
make them worse
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4. Symptoms - ASD
+ Develops language skills slowly, if at all
+ Repeats words or phrases
+ Cannot start or maintain conversations
+ Repeats body movements (hand flapping, finger
flicking, rocking)
+ Has a short attention span
+ Avoids eye contact
+ Spends time alone
+ Shows little reaction to pain
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+ Dislikes cuddling
+ Has frequent meltdowns
+ Has strong attachment to a single item, idea, activity,
or person
+ Needs routines; dislikes change
+ Lacks fear
+ Does not respond to others
+ Is too active or too quiet
+ Displays aggressive or violent behavior
+ Tends to injure self
5. Symptoms - OCD
Common obsessions
+ A strong fixation with dirt or germs
+ Repeated doubts (for example, about having turned
off the stove)
+ A need to have things in a very specific order
+ Thoughts about violence or hurting someone
+ Spending long periods of time touching things or
counting
+ Fixation with order or symmetry
+ Persistent thoughts of awful sexual acts
+ Troubled by thoughts that are against personal
religious beliefs
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Common compulsions:
+ Repeated hand-washing (often 100+ times a day)
+ Checking and rechecking to make sure that a door is
locked or that the oven is turned off for example
+ Following rigid rules of order, such as, putting on
clothes in the same order each day, or alphabetizing
the spices, and getting upset if the order becomes
disrupted
6. Compare ASD & OCD symptoms
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Symptom ASD OCD
Repeating certain behaviors Yes Yes
Ritualistic behaviors Yes Yes
Anxiety Yes Yes
Depression Yes Yes
Obsessive thoughts No Yes
Obsessive interests Yes No
Tics Yes Yes
Trouble identifying emotional cues Yes No
Difficulty with social interactions or communication Yes Yes
Sensitivity to sensory input, such as sounds or lights Yes Yes
7. If an individual was diagnosed with
ASD & OCD…
What would be the treatment
plan?
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8. Other than the family, these people also
give support to people with ASD or OCD
+ Psychiatrists
+ Psychologists
+ Occupational therapists
+ Speech pathologists
+ Dietitians
+ Developmental educators
+ Social workers
+ Behaviour Practitioners
+ Disability Support Worker
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9. Through..
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+ There is no medication for ASD itself but medication may, however, be used to manage behaviors or conditions
that tend to co-occur with ASD.
Medication Effect
SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors)
Changes serotonin levels — the Serotonin neurotransmitter in the brain is believed to be responsible
for mood stabilization. SSRIs may help reduce anxiety and repetitive behaviors.
Tricyclic Antidepressants Reduces the reuptake, or absorption, of two neurotransmitters — norepinephrine and serotonin.
Leads to changes in mood, emotions, and overall brain function. It may be considered when SSRIs
have not provided sufficient relief
Atypical Antipsychotics Changes dopamine levels, the Dopamine neurotransmitter in the brain is associated with pleasure and
reward. Dopamine is also believed to contribute to mood and decision-making. These can be
prescribed to address severe behavioral problems or aggression in individuals with ASD and OCD.
10. Therapies for ASD & OCD
+ Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) is one psychological approach that focuses on learning the connections between
thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. During CBT, a therapist and the individual work together to identify goals and then change
how the person thinks about a situation to change how they react to the situation.
+ Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): ABA is a therapy that focuses on behavior modification and skill development through
structured and systematic techniques. ABA aims to increase desired behaviors and decrease challenging behaviors by using
positive reinforcement, prompting, shaping, and other behavior management strategies.
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11. Therapies for ASD & OCD
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+ Social Skills Training (SST) refers to a wide range of interventions and instructional methods used to help an
individual understand and improve social skills. It involves teaching and practicing specific social skills, such as
initiating conversations, understanding nonverbal cues, and building friendships.
+ Occupational Therapy (OT): OT focuses on helping individuals develop the skills necessary for everyday life
activities and improving sensory integration. It can address sensory sensitivities, motor coordination difficulties, and
adaptive skills, which can be relevant for both ASD and OCD.
12. Community inclusion for these
individuals
+ People with ASD often have unique perspectives on the world. They may see patterns and connections that others
might miss, which can be valuable in problem-solving and innovation. Their different ways of thinking can
contribute to creative solutions and novel ideas.
+ Many individuals with ASD have specific skills and interests in particular areas. They may develop deep
knowledge and expertise in subjects such as mathematics, science, art, music, or technology. Sharing their
knowledge and skills with others can benefit the community, whether through teaching, creating art, or
contributing to scientific advancements.
+ People with ASD can make valuable contributions to the workforce. While they may have specific challenges
related to social interactions or sensory sensitivities, they often possess strong attention to detail, excellent
memory, and a strong focus on tasks. Many individuals with ASD find meaningful employment in fields that
require precision, analytical thinking, or specialized knowledge.
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13. Community inclusion for these
individuals
+ Individuals with ASD and their families often become advocates for autism awareness and acceptance.
They can educate others about autism, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusion and understanding
within their communities. By sharing their personal experiences and insights, they can create positive
change and improve the lives of individuals with ASD.
+ Volunteering and Community Service: Many individuals with ASD engage in volunteer work and
community service. They may have a strong sense of justice and empathy, and find fulfillment in helping
others. Whether it's assisting at local charities, participating in community events, or contributing their
skills to nonprofit organizations, they can actively make a difference in their community.
+ Artistic Expression: Creativity and artistic expression are areas where individuals with ASD often excel.
Many individuals on the spectrum have a keen eye for detail, a unique way of seeing the world, and a
strong sense of aesthetics. They may express themselves through various forms of art, including painting,
drawing, writing, music, or dance, thereby enriching the cultural fabric of their community.
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14. “
Quotations are commonly printed as a means
of inspiration and to invoke philosophical
thoughts from the reader.
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