The Clinician’s Guide to Autism

Educational Gaps

1. Because 1% to 2% of children will be diagnosed as having an autism spectrum disorder, pediatricians need adequate training in screening and diagnosis, particularly with the changes presented in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Initiating interventions for autism, both evidence-based and complementary, also requires the pediatrician to be familiar with available treatments.

2. Children with autism are likely to have a co-occurring mental health disorder that pediatricians should be able to recognize so that they can initiate treatment or provide timely referral.

3. Children with autism are less likely to have a medical home when compared with other children with special health care needs.

Objectives

After completing this article, readers should be able to:

1. Describe the signs and symptoms of an autism spectrum disorder and therefore be aware of the changes recently made to the DSM-5.

2. Be aware of appropriate screening devices for autism and how to use them effectively.

3. Consider a differential diagnosis and initiate an evaluation, as well as provide evidenced-based advice to a patient with newly diagnosed autism.

4. Recognize and provide screening devices for co-occurring mental health disorders in children with autism.

5. Become familiar with common complementary and alternative medicines and therapies.

6. Provide a more comprehensive medical home for children and families with autism.