Autism Spectrum

Disorder

February 16, 2025

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
An Overview
Understanding the Complex World of
ASD

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex

neurodevelopmental condition affecting social
interaction, communication, and behavior. This
presentation will explore the scientific basis, medical
background, and occupational therapy approaches to
ASD, providing a comprehensive understanding of
assessment, intervention, and treatment strategies for
healthcare professionals.
Basic Sciences: Neurological Basis
of ASD
Research reveals distinct neurological patterns in
ASD, including altered connectivity between brain
regions and differences in brain structure
development. Key areas affected include the
amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum.
Neurotransmitter systems show imbalances,
particularly in serotonin and GABA levels, impacting
social cognition, emotional regulation, and sensory
processing.
 Epidemiology and Demographics

1 in 36 4:1 50 months
Current prevalence of ASD in Male to female ratio in ASD Average age of ASD diagnosis
children aged 8 years in the US diagnosis in the United States
Etiology and Risk Factors

Environmental Risk Contributing Medical

Genetic Factors
Factors Conditions
● Multiple gene ● Advanced parental ● Metabolic disorders
variations contribute age increases ASD may increase ASD risk
to ASD risk risk ● Maternal autoimmune
● Siblings have higher ● Pregnancy conditions linked to
chance of developing complications and ASD
ASD infections affect ● Neurological
development
 Pathophysiology

Neural Brain Structure

Connectivity Differences
Changes
Clinical Manifestations
Key Signs and Symptoms of ASD

● Social communication difficulties and limited eye

contact
● Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests
● Delayed language development or unusual speech
patterns
● Difficulty understanding nonverbal cues and
gestures
● Sensory sensitivities to sounds, textures, or lights
● Challenges with changes in routine or transitions
Classification and Diagnostic
Criteria
DSM-5 Core
Diagnostic
Diagnostic Severity Levels
Specifications
Domains
● Persistent deficits in ● Level 1: Requiring ● With/without
social support intellectual
communication/inte impairment
raction ● Level 2: Requiring
substantial support ● With/without
● Restricted, language
repetitive patterns ● Level 3: Requiring impairment
of behavior very substantial
support ● Associated with
● Symptoms present known medical
in early conditions
development period
Differential Diagnosis
Key Distinguishing Common Conditions to
+ Features of ASD × Consider
● Persistent social communication ● Social Communication Disorder -
deficits across settings lacks repetitive behaviors

● Restricted, repetitive patterns of ● ADHD - primarily attention and

behavior hyperactivity issues

● Early onset of symptoms in ● Language Disorder -

developmental period communication only, no social
deficits
● Sensory processing differences
present consistently ● Intellectual Disability - global
developmental delays present
OT Evaluation: Subjective
Assessment
Key components of subjective assessment for ASD
intervention
● Developmental milestones and early childhood history
review
● Parent/caregiver interviews about daily routines and
challenges
● Social interaction patterns and communication preferences
● Sensory processing experiences and behavioral responses
● Educational history and academic performance reports
● Family concerns and priorities for intervention
OT Evaluation: Objective
Assessment

Standardized Clinical
Assessments Observations
● Sensory Profile 2 for ● Play skills and social
sensory processing interaction patterns
patterns ● Fine and gross motor
● PDMS-2 for motor skills assessment
development ● Activities of Daily
 Rehabilitation Potential and OT
Diagnosis
Rehabilitation
OT Diagnosis Prognosis
Potential

Moderate to high Impaired sensory Favorable prognosis

potential based on processing and with consistent
early intervention, motor planning intervention.
family support, affecting Expected
cognitive abilities, occupational improvements in
and motivation performance in self- sensory regulation,
levels. Progress care, play, and daily living skills,
expected in social social participation and social
skills and daily due to ASD. interaction within
activities. 6-12 months.
Problem Identification and
Prioritization
● Social Communication: Limited verbal and
nonverbal interaction skills
● Sensory Processing: Hyper/hyposensitivity
affecting daily activities
● Motor Skills: Delayed fine and gross motor
development
● Self-Regulation: Difficulty managing emotions and
behaviors
● Activities of Daily Living: Challenges in self-care
routines
● Play Skills: Limited imaginative play and peer
interaction
Treatment Goals
Long-term Goals Short-term Goals (SMART)

● Achieve age-appropriate social ● Maintain eye contact for 10

interaction skills seconds daily

● Develop functional communication ● Use 5 new gestures during play

strategies sessions

● Master independent self-care ● Complete morning routine with

routines minimal prompts
Treatment Plan and Theoretical
Framework

Sensory Integration Developmental Evidence-Based

Theory Framework Interventions
Addresses sensory Focuses on sequential skill Combines structured play,
processing challenges development through social skills training, and
through structured play-based interventions daily living activities with
activities and and social-emotional caregiver coaching for
environmental learning activities optimal outcomes.
modifications to improve appropriate to
adaptive responses and developmental stage.
Adaptations and Recommendations

Environmental Activity
Home Program Follow-up Plan
Modifications Gradations
● Create ● Break complex ● Daily sensory- ● Monthly progress
structured, tasks into motor activities reviews and goal
predictable smaller steps for practice adjustments
environments ● Adjust difficulty ● Social skills ● Regular parent
with visual based on practice through education
supports sensory family routines sessions
● Establish quiet tolerance ● Regular parent- ● Coordination
zones for ● Incorporate child interaction with other
sensory breaks special interests strategies healthcare