Cases of Autistic and Social Communication Disorders Are Increasing Dramatically
Cases of autistic and social communication disorders are increasing dramatically, to the extent that some researchers are describing the trend as an "epidemic." Mental health professionals and educators see more children and adolescents with these disorders than ever before in history. Neuroscientists have demonstrated that early irregularities in brain growth lead to developmental disorders. Accurate diagnosis is essential to treatment planning and requires an up-to-date knowledge of disorders and clear differential diagnostic skill. The need for early diagnosis and appropriate intervention is urgent.

Multiple interventions are currently available and a wide range of treatment plans can be developed. Participants will learn how to facilitate communication, improve social and pragmatic language, teach children with attention and working memory weakness, explore compensatory strategies for academic deficits, and evaluate other research-based programs.

DSM®, DSM-IV-TR®, and DSM-5® are registered trademarks of the American Psychiatric Association. The American Psychiatric Association is not affiliated with nor endorses this seminar.

Course Content

INCREASING RATES OF CHILDHOOD NEURODEVELOPMENTAL
DISORDERS
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS (ASD) DIAGNOSITIC CRITERIA
•Criterion A: Persistent deficits in social communication and
social interaction
Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity
Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors
used for social interaction
Deficits in developing, maintaining,
understanding relationships
•Criterion B: Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests,
or activities
Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of
objects, or speech
Insistence on sameness
Highly restricted, fixated interests
Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input
• ASD specifications
• ASD diagnostic features
ASD OVERLAPPING SYMPTOMS
ASD & EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES
• Antecedent-based intervention
• Discrete trial training
• Functional communication training
• Parent-implemented intervention
• Response interruption and redirection
• Technology-aided instruction
• Early Start Denver Model
SOCIAL (PRAGMATIC) COMMUNICATION DISORDER
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA {S(P)CD}
• Diagnostic criteria
• Criterion A: Persistent difficulties in the social use
of verbal and nonverbal communication
• Criterion B: These deficits result in functional
limitations in effective communication
• Criterion C: The onset of the symptoms is in the
early developmental period
• Diagnostic features
Primary difficulties with pragmatics or the social
use of language and communication
Understanding and following rules of social
communication in natural contexts
Changing language according to the needs of
the listener or situation
PRAGMATIC LANGUAGE STRATEGIES
• Rote verbal monologues are common
• Teach communicative intent
• Conversational goal is the sharing of cogent and
logical content among speakers
• Intentions are expressed in blunt, direct manner
• Eye-to-eye gaze is avoided
• Lack of question-asking
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS BETWEEN ASD & S(P)CD