Course Summary

Beyond the defined measures of diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) severity levels based on the above core symptoms of communication, social interaction, and behaviors, other factors influencing ASD level of disability, such as co-occurring developmental, psychological, and medical conditions, are identified in the literature. These conditions can severely impact the daily ability of autistic individuals to manage environmental and developmental challenges, adaptive and coping skills, and a sense of safety and well-being. The clinical research on ASD and evolving guidelines on treating ASD with high-severity symptoms continue to develop with a high focus on ways to enhance quality through daily living skills, specific support needs, and environmental resources. Current studies that highlight ASD impairments, co-occurring conditions, and environmental factors help identify ASD subgroups and their individual needs through clinical assessments. The interprofessional health team is vital in managing ASD and ensuring holistic, coordinated care.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Autism Spectrum Disorder in DSM-5-TR
  • Severity Levels
  • DSM-5-TR Core Criteria of ASD
• Essential Diagnostic Features of ASD
• Screening and Evaluation Tools
• Specifiers in ASD Diagnosis
  • Intellectual Impairment
  • Language Impairment
  • Genetic or Medical Conditions
  • Neurodevelopmental, Mental, or Behavioral Problems
  • Catatonia
• Prevalence of ASD
• ASD Course of Development
  • Childhood
  • Adolescence and Adulthood
  • Adulthood
• Risk Factors of ASD
  • Genetic and Physiological Factors
  • Environmental Factors
  • Gender Disparities
  • Ethnic Disparities
• Prognostic Factors and Long-term Prognosis
• Differential Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Intellectual Developmental Disorder
  • Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Communication Disorders
  • Selective Mutism
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Rett Syndrome
  • Schizophrenia
  • Medication Selection and Management
• Case Study: Adolescent Male with ASD and Mental Illness
  • Differential Diagnosis
  • Role of the Interprofessional Health Team
• Summary

Author

Sarah Schulze, MSN, APRN, CPNP

Sarah Schulze is a board certified pediatric nurse practitioner and professional medical content writer. She earned her BSN from Indiana State University and her MSN from University of Illinois at Chicago. In clinical practice as an RN and NP, she has experience in a variety of settings; including critical care, PACU, pediatrics, mental health, and lactation support. She currently owns and operates a private practice providing outpatient mental health services to children and adolescents. As a writer, she has developed content for many CEU courses, medical apps, health education curricula, NCLEX study materials, health blogs, and more.