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May 2, 2019
Focus | PedReady Autism 101
A lways U nique T otally I ntelligent S ometimes M ysterious!
1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Key Points:
  • The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is 1 in 68 children. This represents a 78% increase between 2002 and 2008, with a higher prevalence reported in males.
  • Children with autism cannot be identified by appearance alone. ASD presents differently with each individual. 
  • 50% are nonverbal and another 20% may present as nonverbal when highly stressed.
  • Patients often use self-stimulatory behavior such as hand flapping, eye blinking, rocking, or saying repetitive phrases.
  • 30–40% will develop a seizure disorder during adolescence.
  • Patients may not be able to sense hot, cold, or pain.
  • ASD patients have a difficult time reading facial expressions and cannot use the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale to describe their pain level.
  • Youth with ASD are significantly more prone to wandering and elopement.

Assessment and Treatment Tips: 
  • Move slowly to avoid unnecessary anxiety and/or outbursts.
  • Speak clearly, simply, calmly and respectfully. A nonverbal child or adult who seems not to be listening may still understand everything you are saying.
  • Perform exams distal to proximal and explain what you plan to do in advance and as you do it.
  • Be aware that due to sensory dysfunction, items like Band-Aids or blood pressure cuffs may increase anxiety and aggression.
  • Be cautious with restraint as patient may have a poorly developed upper trunk area leading to positional asphyxiation.
  • EMS: If possible, allow caregiver to ride with patient and avoid lights and sirens. Notify dispatch or the triage nurse about the diagnosis of ASD to allow the ED time to set up for an appropriate environment.
  • Don’t forget to use your PEDReady Communication Cards! 
PEDReady Champions —Check out these resources to learn more and share with your team: 

Autism & The Hospital Emergency Room: A practical guide for health professionals to meet the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

SPEAK Unlimited Inc. Autism 101 for EMS

Pediatric Emergency Care: Emergency Medical Responders and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Nemours Tips for Working with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders 

Seattle Children's Autism Videos/Blog

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Autism Initiatives 

A Guide for Emergency Department Personnel: Assessing and Treating Individuals with Autism 

Pediatric EM Morsels
2. Upcoming Pediatric Emergency Conferences
Emerald Coast Conference 2019
June 3–6, 2019 | Destin, FL
Hosted by: Alabama ACEP

Designed for physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants engaged in the practice of emergency medicine. Check out the speaker list of Florida PEDReady Champions! Access Brochure

Pediatric Emergency Workshop: Neonatal Emergencies, PEM Literature Update, Pediatric Fever and More!
June 2, 2019 (pre-conference workshop)
Limited to 40 participants
Symposium by the Sea 2019
August 1-4, 2019 | Boca Raton, FL
Hosted by: Florida College of Emergency Physicians (FCEP)

FCEP's annual meeting & educational conference, Symposium by the Sea, is designed for emergency physicians, residents, students, physician assistants, nurses and allied health professionals interested in emergency care.

Pediatric Trauma Workshop
August 2, 2019 | 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Pediatric Care After Resuscitation (PCAR) Course
Dec 2-3, 2019 | Jacksonville, FL

The mission of TCAR (Trauma Care After Resuscitation) Education Programs is to expand the knowledge base and clinical reasoning skills of nurses who work with injured patients anywhere along the trauma continuum of care, particularly in the post-resuscitation phase. 
Thanks for being a Pediatric Champion!
The Florida PEDReady Program
pedready@jax.ufl.edu | 904-244-8617