Autism is a complex developmental disability typically appearing in the first three years of life. It is characterized by impairments in socialization, communication, and imagination. Management aims to minimize these core deficits and maximize quality of life, functioning, and family support through early diagnosis, educational and behavioral therapies, and medical treatment of associated conditions. Outcomes vary but earlier diagnosis and intervention predict better results.

1. AUTISM
ASHRAF TANTAWY
Professor of Psychiatry
Suez Canal University
Ismailia, Egypt.

2. A Complex Developmental Disability.
The Most severe neuropsychiatric condition in
childhood.
Autism first described by Kanner (1943).
Typically appears during the first three
years of life.
Triad of impairments:
1- Socialization.
2- Communication.
3- Imagination.

3. Autism Spectrum Disorders
(ASD)
Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Childhood
Autistic Rett’s
Disintegrative
Disorder Disorder
Disorder
Asperger’s PDD-
Disorder Not Otherwise
Specified (Atypical
Autism)

4. Autistic Disorder
ICD-10 & DSM-IV-TR
1) Social Interactions Impairment:
Nonverbal Behaviors: Gestures.
Peer Relationships.
Spontaneous Sharing.
Reciprocity.
Joint Attention.
Eye Contact: Poor or Avoidant.
Making the Connection.

5. Autistic Disorder
ICD-10 & DSM-IV-TR
2) Communication Impairment:
Spoken Language.
Abnormal Prosody of Speech.
Idiosyncratic Words.
Initiate or Sustain Conversation.
Stereotyped Language.
Making Social Play.

6. Autistic Disorder
ICD-10 & DSM-IV-TR
3) Restricted, Repetitive & Stereotyped
Behavior, Interests or Activities:
Intense Preoccupations.
Inflexible Routines or Rituals.
Stereotyped Motor Mannerisms.
Preoccupation with Parts of Objects.
Getting Stuck.

7. Red Flags…
NICHD suggests doctors consider an evaluation if:
 The child does not respond to his/ her name.
 The child cannot explain what he/ she wants.
 Language skills or speech are delayed.
 The child doesn’t follow directions.
 At times, the child seems to be deaf.
 The child seems to hear sometimes but not others.
 The child seems to be in his/ her “own world.”
 The child is not interested in other children.
 The child walks on his/ her toes.
 The child shows unusual attachments to toys or objects.
 The child spends a lot of time lining things up or putting things
in a certain order.

8. Red Flags continued…
 The child doesn’t point or wave bye-bye.
 The child used to say a few words but now he/ she doesn’t.
 The child throws intense or violent tantrums.
 The child has odd movement patterns.
 The child is hyperactive, uncooperative or oppositional.
 The child doesn’t know how to play with toys.
 The child doesn’t smile when smiled at.
 The child has poor eye contact.
 The child gets “stuck” on things over & over & can’t move on
to other things.
 The child seems to prefer to play alone.
 The child gets things for him/ herself only.
 The child is very independent for his/ her age.

9. Prevalence of Autism
2-6 cases per 1,000.
Boy : Girl = 4:1.
Usually identified before 36 months.
No racial or socioeconomic differences.

10. Important Roles of Primary Care
Physicians/Medical Home
Early recognition:
– Knowledge of signs & symptoms.
– Developmental surveillance & screening.
Guiding families to diagnostic resources &
intervention services.
Conducting a medical evaluation.
Providing ongoing health care.
Supporting & educating families.

11. Screening in Primary Care
Surveillance for Social &
Communication skills.
Screen at 18 & 24 months with
specific screening test.
Reassess at well child visits
(Diagnosis for children with high
functioning ASD).

12. ASD Screening in Primary Care
Children at Higher Risk:
– Siblings of children with ASD: 10 x
increased risk.
– Premature Infants.
– Comorbid Genetic Syndromes: e.g. Fragile
X syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis.
– Prenatal Exposures e.g. Valporic acid.
Regression in Milestones: 25-30%.
– 15-24 months of age.
– Change in language, social awareness or
behavior.

13. Diagnostic Evaluation
Application ICD 10 or DSM IV TR Criteria:
– History.
– Observational Measure.
Medical & Physical History:
– Behavioral History.
– Family History: Genetic risk factors.
Assessment includes: IQ, Speech, Language,
Adaption, Motor, Social, Emotional &
Hearing.
Assessment of Parents: Understanding, Coping
Skills & Resources.

14. Diagnosing Tests for Autism
Several tests have been developed that are
now used in diagnosing autism:
– CARS: Childhood Autism Rating Scale.
– CHAT: Checklist for Autism in Toddlers.
– ASQ: The Autism Screening Questionnaire.
– STA: Screening Test for Autism in 2 Yrs.

15. Medical Work Up
Genetic Testing Karyotype: 5%.
Microarray: 6-27%.
Fragile X: 1-2%.
MeCP2
FISH Chr 15: 1%.
Metabolic Testing Amino Acids-<1%
Organic Acids<1%
Neuroimaging MRI, any lesion-up to 48%
EEG Any abnormality-16-68%
Seizures- 25% lifetime
Other Low Lead.

16. Management
Goals:
– Minimize core & associated deficits.
– Maximize functional independence & QOL.
– Alleviate family stress.
Educational Intervention.
Developmental Therapies:
– Communication.
– Sensory, Fine Motor & Gross Motor.
Behaviorally Based Treatments:
– Core & associated symptoms.
– Social Skills.
Medical Treatments.

17. Medical Management
Treatment of Coexisting Problems:
Epilepsy, Behavior & Sleep disorders.
Medication Management For:
Inattention, Impulsivity, Irritability &
Aggression.

18. Medical Management
Comorbid Symptoms or Conditions
High rates of co-morbidity
Tic Disorders (10%).
Seizures (25%).
ADHD (30-75%).
Affective Disorders (25-40%).
– e.g., Depression or Anxiety .
– Higher in Asperger’s.
GI Problems (10-60%).
Sleep Disturbance (50-75%).
Challenging Behaviors (10-35%).

19. Nutrition In Autism
Food Sensitivities: Psychoactive peptides from
improperly digested casein (milk) or gluten-
based (wheat) foods affect brain function in
some autistics.
Gluten-Free Diet Suggestions:
– Instead of wheat flour, use potato, rice, soy or bean
flour.
– Red meat, fish, rice, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds &
vegetables do not contain gluten.
– Avoid all foods that contain wheat, oats, pasta,
cereal & many processed foods.

20. Nutrition In Autism
Casein-Free Diet Suggestions:
– Instead of cow's milk, use rice or potato milk.
– Eggs do not contain casein.
– Avoid foods that contain Casein: milk, yogurt,
cheese, ice cream & pudding.
Vitamin & Mineral Supplements:
- If a diet is high in overly processed foods, a
person may be deficient in vitamins C, E, B6
& minerals such as magnesium,
molybdenum, chromium & selenium.

21. ASD Outcome
Outcomes are Variable:
Ongoing problems with independent living,
employment, social relationships &
mental health.
Predictors of Better Outcome:
– Earlier Age of Diagnosis & Treatment.
– No Cognitive Impairment.
– Early Language & Nonverbal Skills.
– Social Skills.

22. Conclusion
AUTISM: A Complex Developmental Disability.
Severity: The Most severe neuropsychiatric
condition in childhood.
Typically appears during the first three years of life.
Triad of impairments: Socialization, Communication
& Imagination.
Management Goals: Minimize core & associated
deficits, Maximize functional independence & QOL
& Alleviate family stress.