PsychEd Episode 23: Autism Spectrum Disorder with Dr. Melanie Penner, Dr. Yona Lunsky, and Dr. Mitesh Patel

Welcome to PsychEd, the psychiatry podcast for medical learners, by medical learners.

This episode covers Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with not one, not two, but THREE experts in the field: Dr. Melanie Penner (Developmental Pediatrician at Holland-Bloorview), Dr. Mitesh Patel (Forensic and Child Psychiatrist at CAMH), and Dr. Yona Lunsky (Psychologist at CAMH).

The learning objectives for this episode are as follows:

By the end of this episode, you should be able to…

1. Have an understanding of the neurobiology and epidemiology of autism

2. Tailor your diagnostic interview for autism in a way that improves accuracy and is empathic

3. Have familiarity with the impact of autism on people and their families and the interdisciplinary and biopsychosocial approaches involved in caring for people with autism

Host(s): Dr. Alex Raben (PGY5), Dr. Sabrina Agnihotri (PGY1)

Produced by: Dr. Alex Raben (PGY5), Dr. Sabrina Agnihotri (PGY1), Weam Sieffien (CC3), and Dr. Gurnaam Kasbia

Guest experts: Dr. Melanie Penner, Dr. Mitesh Patel, and Dr. Yona Lunsky

Episode infographic by Weam Sieffien (CC3) and Dr. Nikhita Singhal (PGY1)

Resources:

• https://cpa.ca/docs/File/Psynopsis/2020-Vol42-1/index.html

• https://autismcanada.org/#home-row-1

• Clinical guide for front line staff to support the management of patients with a learning disability, autism or both during the coronavirus pandemic

• Magnetoencephalographic (MEG) Brain Activity During a Mental Flexibility Task Suggests Some Shared Neurobiology in Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders

• Books:

  • Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's

  • Neurotribes

References 

• American Academy of Pediatrics. Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatrics. 2007 Nov;120(5):1183-1215.

• Bartlo P, Klein PJ. Physical activity benefits and needs in adults with intellectual disabilities: systematic review of the literature. Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2011 May. 116(3):220-32.

• Bazzano AT, Zeldin AS, Diab IR, Garro NM, Allevato NA, Lehrer D. The Healthy Lifestyle Change Program: a pilot of a community-based health promotion intervention for adults with developmental disabilities. Am J Prev Med. 2009 Dec. 37(6 Suppl 1):S201-8.

• Lyall, K., Croen, L., Daniels, J., Fallin, M. D., Ladd-Acosta, C., Lee, B. K., ... & Windham, G. C.  (2017). The changing epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders. Annual review of public health, 38, 81-102.

• Maulik, P. K., Mascarenhas, M. N., Mathers, C. D., Dua, T., & Saxena, S. (2011). Prevalence of intellectual disability: a meta-analysis of population-based studies. Research in developmental disabilities, 32(2), 419-436.

• McPheeters ML, Warren Z, Sathe N, Bruzek JL, Krishnaswami S, Jerome RN, et al. A systematic review of medical treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatrics. 2011 May. 127(5):e1312-21.

• Rubin IL, Crocker AC. Medical care for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Second edition. Baltimore, MD: Paul H Brookes Publishing Co, Inc; 2006.

• Rueda JR, Ballesteros J, Tejada MI. Systematic review of pharmacological treatments in fragile X syndrome. BMC Neurol. 2009 Oct 13. 9:53.

• Taylor, L. E., Swerdfeger, A. L., & Eslick, G. D. (2014). Vaccines are not associated with autism: an evidence-based meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies. Vaccine, 32(29), 3623-3629.

• Taylor, L. E., Swerdfeger, A. L., & Eslick, G. D. (2014). Vaccines are not associated with autism: an evidence-based meta-analysis of case-control and cohort studies. Vaccine, 32(29), 3623-3629.

• Thapar, A., Cooper, M., & Rutter, M. (2017). Neurodevelopmental disorders. The Lancet Psychiatry, 4(4), 339-346

CPA Note: The views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of the Canadian Psychiatric Association.

For more PsychEd, follow us on Twitter (@psychedpodcast), Instagram (@psyched.podcast), and Facebook. You can provide feedback by email at psychedpodcast@gmail.com. For more information visit our website: psychedpodcast.org.