Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Disorders, Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders, Elimination Disorders
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.
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.
Reference:
Chudler, E. (n.d.) Brain facts that make you go, “hmmmmm”. Retrieved on November 26, 2013, from http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/ffacts.html
Objectives
Analyze diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Analyze influences of childhood disorders on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Analyze influences of neurocognitive impairments and psychological disorders on differential diagnoses.
Analyze influences of medications on diagnosis.
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.
