Psychiatric Diagnosis: Autism Spectrum/PDD

Autism Spectrum/PDD encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors. Autism is considered a spectrum because it can vary in severity and presentation.

MHF-M15-1275

Pt is presented to the ED via EMS for erratic behavior. Pt has twice presented to the ED recently after altercations at his group home and his crisis respite program. Pt has been discharged from both of these programs due to aggressive behavior. Pt was returned home after being discharged recently and collateral reports that pt’s behaviors have increased. This ED visit was due to pt beginning to escalate, and was about to throw rocks at his friend’s windows. Pt’s mother’s boyfriend ran out and stopped him from doing so and told him “no” which is a trigger for pt. Pt then began to start banging on doors after he was stopped from throwing rocks. Pt has an injured elbow which was in jeopardy of being re-injured. Pt wouldn’t stop so mom called the police, and they brought EMS who brought him to the hospital. Pt has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum D/O needing substantial support, Level 3, Unspecified type and suspected intellectual disability. Pt has a hx of agitation, aggressive behaviors with frequent visits to the ED. Pt’s mother and staff deny any suicidal ideation and attempts. Pt currently has a PCP, psychiatrist, case manager, and social worker. Pt has very limited verbal skills, and responds to questions with one- or two-word answers, and a thumbs up/thumbs down.

SD8SC-M8-1067

Client in process of completing DA through our Assessment Team so not all information is complete at this time. The system has not been helpful to this family for a long time and they are struggling to maintain his adoption. He has low IQ, largely non-verbal with few receptive language skills (communicates by pulling people to things), approved for residential treatment over 3 years ago – not accepted to any placement so far, has a DD case manager and “unlimited” waiver. Historical diagnosis include: ASD, PTSD, GDD, and ADHD. He has significant behaviors including hitting, pushing, stomping and fecal smearing when told “no” or denied access to something even with a body suit. Behaviors of some kind occur multiple times daily. He is aggressive toward all family members but the fecal smearing happens more in response to mother. He has been declined services at over 20 PCA agencies, is not successful attending outpatient therapy services or medical appointments (aggressive to providers and engages in behaviors), no respite providers will accept him, and he has been declined admission to psychiatric hospitalization and most outpatient providers declined him for services as his needs are “too great”. The family includes 4 other children many with special needs, and 2 are medically fragile. The family is to the point where parents are considering having one parent live with this child and the other 4 with the other parent for safety reasons.

6-23-23 client is now linked to Fraser and LSS for possible additional in-home wavier paid supports/services to decrease the likelihood of a boarding or out of home placement

MHF-F13-251

History of Autism Spectrum Disorder, prenatal exposure to alcohol, cocaine, and heroin. Pt is cognitively delayed and has limited verbal skills. Recently attempted group home, assaulted staff after 1 day; guardian took patient home. Pt presented to ED after assaulting guardian in the home and guardian does not feel safe with patient returning to home, is planning to relinquish custody. In ED, patient is disrobing, throwing feces, assaulting staff, in seclusion. Behavior is chronic and has been seen at similar level historically. Prescribed Zyprexa, Abilify, Clonidine, Thorazine, Atarax, Trazadone.
4/7/23-4/13-23 – Discharged to home.
5/13/23-5/19/23 – Discharged to home.
5/23/23-5/26/23 – Discharged to home.
5/27/23-6/7/23 – Discharged to home.

MHF-M9-1185

Pt is presented to the ED via EMS due to aggressive behavior in his foster mother’s home. Pt became escalated when his foster mother asked him to take a bath, and began throwing chairs and kicking his mother. Pt has an intellectual disability and lacks insight into behaviors and mental health concerns. Pt has hx of autism and ADHD combined type, and hx of agitation/aggression.

MCR-F12-255

12 year old with trauma history, in-utero cocaine exposure, long history of behavioral outbursts with adoptive parents, participating in CIBS since November and moved to Phase 2 at Gerard in early January, but struggled and was sent to the ED within 48 hours due to severe outburst at Gerard. Appears to have mild autism spectrum disorder (difficulty with transitions, sensory sensitivity, communication struggles), and likely PTSD related to attempted kidnapping and multiple sexual assaults spring 2022. Has started Vyvanse, Prazosin, and Fluoxetine while boarding, and she has had much less extreme behavioral outbursts, has not needed IM or restraint in weeks. Oppositional, but generally can be verbally redirected. Outbursts tend to be tied to her difficulty with flexibility – eg when meals or medications arrive at slightly different times, or one nurse implements different TV rules than another – will start swearing, sometimes escalating to head-banging, but generally is able to calm on her own when given space (intervening/talking/etc once she is starting to dysregulate tends to escalate rather than de-escalate her). Has loving parents and want her in their home, but fear they cannot keep her safe right now. Regarding running – hasn’t tried to elope from peds floor. Sometimes ran from school or home when upset, walks around neighborhood and comes back. Issues at school have been more blowing up and headbanging. Update as of 4/11 still in ED

M8SAS-M10-1126

10 male Autistic aggressive at home and due to aggressive mom cannot care for him at home. Incontinent. Excused from MAC due to property destruction. Blue Earth County involved.

M8SAS-M16-1130

Recently at inpatient psych X 10 days. D/c to respite care. Recently transitioned home from respite and aggression within 48 hours of d/c from respite. Needs residential. Interview with North Homes on Monday.

MHF-M15-999

Patient is reported to be under the guardianship of Hennepin County. Patient presents to ED with his social worker for a mental health evaluation after having “mental breakdowns” while under the care of his mother, who kicked him out and told him not to return. Patient has a hx of autism spectrum disorder. Patient has hx of abandonment from both parents, and has a foster placement with his aunt, but is refusing to return to her care, stating that he will kill her if he has to go back.