AOTA

Carolyn Murray-Slutsky, MS, OTR/L, C/NDT, State of the Art Resource Services, Inc.,

Hollywood, Florida, Betty Paris, MEd, PT, C/NDT, State of the Art Resource Services, Inc., Hollywood, Florida and Mary Murray, EdD, Bowling Green University, Bowling Green, Ohio

Earn .1 AOTA CEU (1.25 NBCOT PDU/1 contact hour)

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) occurs in 1 in every 68 births each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2014a). It is the fastest growing developmental disability, with an increase in diagnosis of 6% to 15% rate annually (CDC, 2014a). In the United States alone, there are 3.5 million Americans of all ages living with ASD (Buescher, Cidav, Knapp, & Mandell, 2014). Children and adults with ASD reside, go to school, and work in our communities. The effects of autism touch every sector of society. Knowing about autism and how to treat or work with individuals with autism is no longer isolated to pediatric occupational therapy practitioners who choose to specialize in it. As individuals with autism age, and the condition’s prevalence increases, it is likely that most of us will interact with individuals with autism, either personally or professionally. We must understand how ASD is diagnosed, its unique characteristics, key concepts related to ASD, and evidence-based strategies to increase the probability of successful interaction and interventions for individuals with ASD.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the diagnostic criteria, common co-morbid conditions, and behaviors often seen in clients with ASD

2. Identify key concepts to enhance your interactions with clients with ASD

3. Identify specific strategies that can be used to increase your effectiveness in working with clients with ASD in regard to socialization, communication, behavior, and sensory regulation.