Case Study on Autism and ADHD Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example

Case Study on Autism and ADHD Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example

According to DSM5, a child must have persistent impairment in all aspects of social communication and interaction and two or more aspects of restricted or repetitive behaviors to meet autism diagnostic criteria (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In this regard, the child must have persistent deficits in social engagement and interactions, nonverbal communication, or creation, maintenance, and understanding of social relationships. Moreover, the child must show repeater motor activities, fixed interests, adherence to routine, or hypo/hyperactive sensory input. These symptoms cause significant social and other functional areas. (Case Study on Autism and ADHD Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example)

For ADHD diagnosis, a child must have a consistent inattention pattern and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity, which interferes with their cognitive development or normal functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Inattention is characterized by careless mistakes, inability to sustain attention or follow instructions, or avoidance of tasks that require mental sustenance. Impulsivity and hyperactivity are shown by fidgeting, running about, climbing objects, excessive talk, blurting answers before questions, or interrupting others. Moreover, a child must have had clinical symptoms such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or impulsivity in two or more settings before age 12. Moreover, the symptoms must interfere with social function or academic performance.(Case Study on Autism and ADHD Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example)

The best way to approach examining Makala is to minimize unnecessary sensory input when initiating interaction. Children with autism are affected by sensory processing, are affected by noise or tolerance to others, and respond by frequent meltdowns, including screaming or kicking (Kong & Moreno, 2018). Consequently, I would take Makala and her mother to a quiet private room with dim light and minimal medical equipment. Secondly, I would try to figure out how Makala communicates best. I would ask the parent how Makala typically communicates. This will provide me with the baseline expectation of Makala’s reaction to my advances. I would also observe how Makala communicates with her mother to understand their choice of words or gestures that I could use to approach her. Lastly, I will use a quiet and calm voice incorporating known triggers when talking to Makala. I will equally employ observed interests or fixations to motivate Makala’s interest in my advances since ASD children are more interested in predictable patterns grounded in cause-and-effect logic. (Case Study on Autism and ADHD Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example)

To ascertain Makala’s autism suspicion, I will focus on gaining her trust and assessing her nonverbal communicative behaviors, ability to develop a relationship with me or engage in my interactions. Behavioral aspects to evaluate are; abnormal social approach, inability to engage in a straight conversation, poor verbal and nonverbal communication, and inability to adjust her behaviors to the clinical context. I will also identify whether Makala has repetitive behavioral patterns such as particular use of objects, ritualized communication, inflexible adherence to instructions, fixated interests, or hypo/hyperactivity to sensory input.  Considering Makala’s sensitivities, I would give the mother a referral letter and directions to the local autism team for further evaluation and management.(Case Study on Autism and ADHD Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example)

 Signs and symptoms of autism and ADHD often overlap. However, autism can be differentiated from ADHD by differentiating the degree of peer rejection and social dysfunction seen in ADHD children from social isolation, disengagement, and differential facial and tonal communication cue in autistic children (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). While children with ADHD have difficulty paying attention, autistic children tend to get obsessed, pay attention, or fixate on things they enjoy. Moreover, children diagnosed with ADHD get distracted easily, while autistic children cannot focus on things they have no interest in. Children with autism tend to tantrums due to their inability to tolerate sudden changes in activities. In contrast, children with ADHD may show tantrums or misbehave during transition due to impulsivity and lack of self-control. (Case Study on Autism and ADHD Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example)

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.  (Case Study on Autism and ADHD Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example) 

Kong, M., & Moreno, M. A. (2018). Sensory processing in children. JAMA pediatrics, 172(12), 1208-1208. 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.3774 (Case Study on Autism and ADHD Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example)

National Center for Biotechnology Information (nih.gov)