Autism: The New Spectrum of Diagnostics, Treatment & Nutrition

Catherine Christie, PhD; Gina (Ulery) Gunderson, MS, RDN, LD/N; Leo Christie, PhD, LMFT

$49.00

CE Credit Hours : 4
Intermediate Learning Level Introductory
Online Course Online
Customer Testimonials

Course Abstract

Autism: The New Spectrum of Diagnostics, Treatment & Nutrition is a 4-hour online continuing education (CE/CEU) course that reviews diagnostic changes in autism as well as treatment options and nutrition interventions – both theoretical and applied.

The first section traces the history of the diagnostic concept of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), culminating in the revised criteria of the 2013 version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the DSM-5, with specific focus on the shift from five subtypes to a single spectrum diagnosis. The course aims to provide epidemiological prevalence estimates, identify factors that may play a role in causing ASD, and list the components of a core assessment battery. Brief descriptions of some of the major intervention models, that have some empirical support, are included.

Section two describes common GI problems and feeding difficulties in autism, exploring the empirical data and/or lack thereof regarding links between GI disorders and autism. Sections on feeding difficulties offer interventions and behavior change techniques.

A final section on nutritional considerations discusses evaluation of nutritional status, supplementation, and dietary modifications with an objective look at the science and theory behind a variety of nutrition interventions. Other theoretical interventions are also reviewed.

Course #40-54 | 2021 | 70 pages | 25 posttest questions

Learning Objectives

  1. Explain the change in the conceptualization of ASD since the publication of the DSM-5
  2. Name the ten components of a core assessment battery
  3. Describe three GI problems common in children with ASD
  4. Summarize six strategies for dealing with feeding problems in children with ASD
  5. Discuss the science, theory, and efficacy of three CAM treatments for ASD
  6. List the potential benefits and risks associated with four theoretical interventions for ASD

Course Directions

This online course provides instant access to the course materials (PDF download) and CE test. The course is text-based (reading) and the CE test is open-book (you can print the test to mark your answers on it while reading the course document).

Successful completion of this course involves passing an online test (80% required, 3 chances to take) and we ask that you also complete a brief course evaluation.

About the Author(s)

Catherine Christie, PhD : Find out More

Catherine Christie, PhD, RDN, LDN, FADA, FAND, is Vice President of Professional Development Resources. She is a Past President of the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Cathy is co-author of four books including The Latino Food Lover’s Glossary, Fat is Not Your Fate, Eat to Stay Young and I’d Kill for a Cookie. Dr. Christie is also Editor of the Manual of Medical Nutrition Therapy. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Fellow of the Preventative Cardiovascular Nurses Association and Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr. Christie earned her PhD from Florida State University and served for six years as the Chairman of the Dietetics and Nutrition Council, which regulates the nutrition profession in the state of Florida. Dr. Christie is the recipient of several awards and/or certifications including Florida’s Distinguished Dietitian, Florida Dietetic Association Outstanding Service Award, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Outstanding Dietetic Educator Award, and the Excellence in Practice Award for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Disclosure

Financial: Receives a salary from Professional Development Resources, Inc.
Nonfinancial: No relevant nonfinancial relationships exist.

Gina (Ulery) Gunderson, MS, RDN, LD/N : Find out More

Gina (Ulery) Gunderson, MS, RD, LD/N, is the Director of Operations & Marketing for Professional Development Resources and is a Registered Dietitian, licensed in the state of Florida. She earned her Master’s degree in Health Science from the University of North Florida in 2003. Since then, she has used her experience and education to create online CE courses for healthcare professionals to further their careers and expand their knowledge base. Gina is responsible for managing day-to-day operations, as well as designing, implementing and facilitating marketing strategies.

Disclosure

:
Financial
: Receives a salary from Professional Development Resources, Inc.
Nonfinancial
: No relevant nonfinancial relationships exist.

Leo Christie, PhD, LMFT : Find out More

Leo Christie, PhD, LMFT, is a Florida-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Florida State University. Past President of the Florida Council on Family Relations, Dr. Christie is a past CEO of Professional Development Resources, a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to deliver continuing education credit courses to healthcare professionals throughout the United States. He has more than 20 years’ experience in private practice with a specialty in child behavior disorders and as an instructor for over 500 live continuing education seminars for healthcare professionals.

Disclosure

Financial: Receives a salary from Professional Development Resources, Inc.
Nonfinancial
: No relevant nonfinancial relationships exist.

CE Information

Counseling

National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Approved Continuing Education Provider

Professional Development Resources (PDR) has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5590. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. PDR is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Professional Development Resources is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 - all courses are reported within two business days of completion). Professional Development Resources, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0135 - Note: New York counselors will receive 4 continuing education credits for completing this self-study course).

Marriage and Family Therapy

American Psychological Association Approved Sponsor

Professional Development Resources is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Professional Development Resources is also approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC ACEP #5590); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB #1046, ACE Program); the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists (#MFT-0100 - Note: New York MFTs will receive 4 continuing education credit(s) for completing this self-study course); the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (#114); and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 - all courses are reported within two business days of completion).

Nutrition and Dietetics

Professional Development Resources is a CPE Accredited Provider with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR #PR001). CPE accreditation does not constitute endorsement by CDR of provider programs or materials. Feedback for this activity can be sent directly to CDR. Professional Development Resources is also a provider with the Florida Council of Dietetics and Nutrition (#50-1635) and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635) (all courses are reported within two business days of completion).

Occupational Therapy

American Occupational Therapy Association Approved Provider

Professional Development Resources is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course provider ID# 3159. This distance learning-independent course is offered at 0.4 CEUs, introductory level, OT Service Delivery]. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

Professional Development Resources is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 - all courses are reported within two business days of completion).

Psychology

American Psychological Association Approved Sponsor

Professional Development Resources is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Professional Development Resources is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 - all courses are reported within two business days of completion). Professional Development Resources, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0145).

School Psychology

American Psychological Association Approved Sponsor

Professional Development Resources is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Professional Development Resources is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 - all courses are reported within two business days of completion). Professional Development Resources, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0145).

Speech Language Pathology

Introductory Level 0.4 ASHA CEUs

Introductory Level | 0.4 ASHA CEUs | ASHA credit is available until 7/31/2026. ASHA CEUs are awarded by the ASHA CE Registry upon receipt of the monthly completion report from the ASHA Approved CE Provider (#AAUM5174). Please note that the date that appears on ASHA transcripts is the last day of the month in which the course was completed.

Professional Development Resources is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 - all courses are reported within two business days of completion).

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.

Social Work

Association of Social Work Boards ACE Approved continuing education provider

Professional Development Resources, #1046, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 6/12/2022 - 6/12/2025. Social workers completing this course receive 4 clinical continuing education credits.

Professional Development Resources is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 - all courses are reported within two business days of completion). Professional Development Resources, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (#SW-0664 - Note: New York social workers will receive 4 continuing education credit(s) for completing this self-study course). Professional Development Resources is also approved by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678).

Teaching

Professional Development Resources is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for all programs and content. Professional Development Resources is also approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC ACEP #5590); the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB Provider #1046, ACE Program); the Continuing Education Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA Provider #AAUM); the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA Provider #3159); the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR Prior Approval Program); the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists (#PSY-0145), State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors (#MHC-0135) and marriage and family therapists (#MFT-0100), and the State Board for Social Workers as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (#SW-0664); the Texas Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists (#114) and State Board of Social Worker Examiners (#5678); and is CE Broker compliant (#50-1635 - all courses are reported within two business days of completion).

Customer Testimonials

J.S. (SLP)

This presentation is thorough with noteworthy research cited for evidence-based practice. The motivational information is helpful for practitioners, parents, and students. I have not seen a more thorough document. Very good information overall.

J.P. (SLP)

This is an excellent course that has done a concise job of providing an overview of all related important topics concerning the evolving of autism spectrum disorders. Highlighting the relationship of the gut/brain connection and the impact on feeding and behavior is necessary and appreciated. Again, GREAT course!

Y.C. (SLP)

This is a very comprehensive course with information beyond the course objectives. The content is very useful and has important practical implications. As a therapist, it is helpful to understand development and complications in typically developing children and then to add in red flags and further risk factors associated with childhood disorders. The information provided here is relevant to parents, educators, and therapists as direction as to what therapy strategies to consider avoiding, as well as what cutting edge treatments could be looked into and added to a treatment plan.

L.C. (SLP)

Fabulous content!

S.A. (MHC)

Excellent! I plan on taking the other Autism courses. Please continue to expand your course selections.

More Testimonials

J.H. (SLP)

A ton of information! Well presented and digestible.

S.C. (SS)

Great updates on new diagnosis and assessment information.

K.B. (PY)

Excellent overview of key ASD issues! Very clearly & objectively stated!

A.P. (SLP)

Wonderful course!! Thank you!

S.G. (OT)

This was a very helpful course in addressing the many theories of causes and treatments for autism.

J.M. (SLP)

This course was very informative and thorough in its presentation of updated material.  Glad I took this course.

M.P. (SS)

Great information on intervention models and CAM treatments.

K.R. (SLP)

Authors did an excellent job compiling a great deal of pertinent information about a complex subject in a manner that was very pragmatic and useful.

J.M. (PY)

Good course. I especially liked the information about multi-disciplinary issues, symotoms, and treatment.

J.I. (PY)

Very good coverage of research and valid interventions.

S.K. (SLP)

The author was very detailed and explained a lot of things I did not previously now.

A.S. (OT)

Very nice application to my pediatric knowledge.

H.C. (SLP)

This course covered every aspect I need to assist my families with their plethora of questions and considerations they are faced with. I especially appreciated learning the downsides of many of the treatment plans, presenting all the options of all feeding therapies, the use of well documented and not documented supplements. Wonderful guide  Thank you!

E.S. (SLP)

I'm an SLP with a 36 yo ASD daughter and I can so relate and attest to the characteristics, issues, and treatments discussed in this CEU. Much has changed since she was an young child yet so much hasn't changed in terms of treatment. Each ASD person is their own unique being. What works for one, may only work for that one or for many. This CEU validated much of what we have thought and experienced. Thank you.

A.C. (SLP)

Awesome course! I learned a great deal about the complexities and challenges of working with children with autism.

B.R. (SS)

This was a very helpful course in addressing the many theories of causes and treatments for autism.

This course was very informative and thorough in its presentation of updated material.  Glad I took this course.

Great information and presentation. I learned alot.

Good emphasis on scientifically proven and researched treatments.