The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

This program is designed to help you: Screen for autism spectrum disorders; Manage the treatment of patients with autism spectrum disorders; and Guide family members and patients in coping with autism spectrum disorders. Autism and Asperger’s Disorder are two of the five pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR (fourth edition). These disorders, more commonly referred to today as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), are characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication, social skills, and repetitive patterns of behavior. This program is designed to educate health care providers and others who work with children, adolescents, and adults so that they can assist in identifying and managing autism spectrum disorders. The course focuses on autism and Asperger’s Disorder.

Introduction Introduction Part 1: Myths about Autism Spectrum Disorders Myths Part 2: History and Statistics History of the Diagnosis Statistics Part 3: Diagnosis of Autism and Asperger’s Disorder Introduction Comparing Diagnostic Criteria for Autism and Asperger’s Disorder Case Illustrations DSM-IV Criteria for Autism DSM-IV Criteria for Asperger’s Disorder Additional Issues Related to Diagnostic Criteria Part 4: Assessment Chart Interview Strategies Part 5: Understanding ASDs Why obsessive interests? Why difficulties pretending? Why difficulties sharing and cooperating? Why prefer adults to same aged peers? Why play alone rather than trying to make friends? Why have poor eye contact? Part 6: Differential Diagnosis and Comorbidity Introduction Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Anxiety Disorder Sensory Integration Dysfunction Tourette’s and Tic Disorder Language Disorders Oppositional Defiant Disorder Mood Disorders Developmental Delay and Mental Retardation Schizophrenia Related Medical Issues Part 7: Etiology and Theories Genetic Factors Weak Central Coherence Theory Theory of Mind/Mindblindedness Areas of Brain Involved in Autism Part 8: Autism Spectrum Disorders Across the Lifespan Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorders The Teenage Years Adulthood Part 9: Treatment and Management Strategies Introduction Applied Behavioral Analysis Social Skills Training Psychotherapy Parent Education/Training Speech/Language Therapy Video Modeling Medication Barriers to Treatment Tips for Treatment Treatment Story Part 10: Educational Interventions Introduction Recommendations Part 11: ASDs and the Family Impact on the Family Counselor Recommendations for Parents Siblings Part 12: Prognosis and Outcomes Prognosis Autism Spectrum Disorder at Its Best Part 13: Resources for Practitioners and Families Resources Part 14: References References Post Test CE Test Evaluation Course Evaluation