Practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorders and Symptoms in Children with Molecularly Confirmed 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

“…Rather than treat behaviors related to the ASD as naughty, parents can find therapeutic ways to mitigate behavioral difficulties. In addition, diagnosis prepares parents for areas of difficulty that develop in the later years of autism, including depression among higher functioning individuals (Ghaziuddin, Ghaziuddin, & Greden, 2002;Volkmar et al, 1999) and the need for residential living and preparation for sheltered occupations (Frith, 1991). An accurate diagnosis of ASD may expedite acquisition of services and be particularly empowering for families of children with a 22q11.2 deletion, who are too often faced with informing medical and educational professionals about this little known but relatively common genetic disorder, about which we still have so much to learn.…”

Technical Report: The Pediatrician's Role in the Diagnosis and Management of Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Children

“…Certain strategies have been adopted by various local advocacy groups, but there is no global consensus regarding which strategy is most effective. Although a practice parameter addressing management of ASD was published in the child psychiatry literature in 1999, 20 to date, there have been no consensus guidelines published in the pediatric literature. Universally accepted broad management goals are to improve the overall functional status of the child by promoting the development of communication, social, adaptive, behavioral, and academic skills; lessening maladaptive and repetitive behaviors; and helping the family manage the stress associated with raising a child with autism.…”

“…144,145 Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are becoming more and more popular because of their high rates of effectiveness and because they have fewer adverse effects than do neuroleptics. 20,68,143,146,147 They are helpful in treating depression, anxiety, and obsessive and ritualistic behaviors that may be associated with ASD, and some studies have demonstrated more global effects on behavior, language, cognition, and social relatedness. A positive response is often correlated with a family history of an affective disorder.…”

“…Whenever possible, a psychiatric diagnosis should be made to guide treatment. 13,15,20,142,143,149 Sometimes, challenging symptoms such as overactivity, sleep disorders, aggression, stereotypies, or self-injury become the focus of medical treatment. When considering medical intervention, it is usually recommended that the family target 1 or sometimes 2 behaviors that are the most troublesome.…”

“…Several excellent subject reviews and practice parameters describe the heterogeneous array of symptoms characteristic of ASD. 8,9,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Briefly, children with ASD may indeed make no eye contact and seem totally aloof. Others may demonstrate intermittent awareness of their environment, make some eye contact, smile, and hug.…”