Walden University Childhood Disorders Autism Spectrum Disorders Paper

Walden University Childhood Disorders Autism Spectrum Disorders Paper

Walden University Childhood Disorders Autism Spectrum Disorders Paper

Introduction

The human brain only constitutes approximately 2% of an individual’s total body weight, a percentage that pales in comparison to the brain’s level of importance in human development. Although externally protected by layers of membranes as well as the skull, the brain is not very resistant to damage. Damage to the brain may compromise its functionality, which may in turn lead to neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and adolescence or neurocognitive disorders for any number of reasons across the lifespan.

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This week, you analyze the influence of neurocognitive impairments on neurocognitive disorders for client diagnosis. Additionally, you analyze how neurocognitive impairments may have similar presentations to other psychological disorders.

Discussion 1: Childhood Disorders: Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorders are among the most pervasive mental disorders of childhood. Children and adolescents diagnosed with the autism spectrum disorders possess impairments in social communication and interaction, as well as, restricted and/or repetitive patterns of behavior, interest, or activities. As a future professional in the field, you might seek a variety of resources to ensure that the child or adolescent, as a member of a vulnerable population, receives the most appropriate level of care for assessment and diagnosis.

For this Discussion, consider the criteria for a diagnosis of an Autism spectrum disorder within children and adolescents. Also, think about how symptoms of other childhood disorders might complicate a diagnosis of an Autism spectrum disorder.

With these thoughts in mind:

An explanation of the various criteria for a diagnosis of an Autism spectrum disorder. Then, explain how the symptoms of other childhood disorders might complicate a diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder. Provide an example.

Discussion 2: Neurocognitive Disorders

Diagnosis of elderly clients may pose multiple challenges. Coupled with other symptoms from age and/or medical conditions, psychologists may encounter complications in making an accurate, differential diagnosis between neurocognitive disorders and psychological disorders. For example, as neurocognitive disorders involve a deficit or dysfunction in cognition, psychologists need eliminate alternate possibilities for the neurocognitive impairment to make an accurate diagnosis.

For this Discussion, consider various complications that may arise with diagnoses of elderly clients. Select one neurocognitive impairment (delirium, Alzheimer’s disease, or a vascular based neurocognitive disorder) and one psychological disorder and consider the factors that may influence an accurate differential diagnosis in elderly clients. Then, consider how medications for elderly clients may complicate an accurate diagnosis.

With these thoughts in mind:

A description of the neurocognitive impairment and the psychological disorder you selected. Then describe three factors you must consider in making a differential diagnosis and explain why. Finally, explain how medications for elderly clients may complicate an accurate diagnosis.

Resources

Readings

    • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
      • Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Disorders
      • Disruptive, Impulse-Control
      • Conduct Disorders
      • Elimination Disorders
    • Paris, J. (2015). The intelligent clinician’s guide to the DSM-5 (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press..
      • Chapter 12, Neurodevelopmental and Disruptive Behavioral Disorders
    • Gresham, F. M., Watson, T. S., & Skinner, C. H. (2001). Functional behavioral assessment: Principles, procedures, and future directions. School Psychology Review, 30(2), 156–172. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
    • Grzadzinski, R., Huerta, M., & Lord, C. (2013). DSM-5 and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs): An opportunity for identifying ASD subtypes. Molecular Autism, 4(1), 1–6. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
    • Lord, C., & Jones, R. M. (2012). Annual Research Review: Re-thinking the classification of autism spectrum disorders. Journal Of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 53(5), 490–509. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
    • Ozonoff, S. (2012). Editorial perspective: Autism spectrum disorders in DSM-5—An historical perspective and the need for change. Journal Of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, 53(10), 1092–1094. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
    • Volkmar, F. R., & Reichow, B. (2013). Autism in DSM-5: Progress and challenges. Molecular Autism, 4(1), 1–6. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.