JAMA Article Highlights AAP Autism Reports

The current edition, of the Journal of the American Medical Association , includes an article by Tracy Hampton, PhD JAMA. 2007; 298(22):2610 highlighting the recent American Academy of Pediatrics autism reports. In Reports Help Identify and Manage Autism Doctor Hampton highlights the recommendation for early, 18 and 24 month, universal screening and the early intervention, particularly early behavioral intervention.

The most significant recommendation is to screen all children at age 18 months and 24 months. "This is the first time that the Academy has recommended universal screening rather than just when a parent is concerned," said co-author Chris Plauche Johnson, MD, MEd, clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.


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The second AAP clinical report, Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, highlights early interventions that are important for effective treatment. The report advises intervention as soon as a diagnosis is seriously considered, for at least 25 hours per week in settings with a low student-to-teacher ratio. Parents should also be included in therapy sessions.

For controlling problems such as tantrums, aggressive behaviors, and self-injury, the report recommends behavior management strategies and, in some cases, medications.

autism

Autism Calming - 1, 2, 3 Breathe

Instructing anyone who needs calming, autistic or otherwise, to count 1, 2, 3 and take a deep breath is an old well known technique. I mention it because it has been a particularly effective technique with Conor who is severely autistic and can get pretty wound up at times.

Conor loves his numbers, likes to do addition and "count by's" eg. count by 10,000"s, count by 3's, count by 7's etc. I have found that stretching out the 1,2, 3, breathe with 2,4,6, breathe, 3,6,9 breathe up to 10,20,30 breathe keeps Conor's interest in the activity and makes the 1,2,3 breathe calming technique even more effective. An old trick but one that is often very helpful.