Course Description
Working with patients diagnosed with developmental disorders and sensory impairments present unique challenges in medical imaging where effective communication is essential for patient cooperation, safety, and image quality. Over the course of one's career, it is likely that radiologic technologists (RTs) and imaging staff will work with a patient with a cognitive, auditory, or visual disorder, disease, or condition that prevents them from communicating effectively. To that end, this course will provide an overview of common developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Asperger's syndrome, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as hearing loss and visual impairments, like glaucoma and cataracts, all of which can lead to difficulties with a patient's ability to process sensory stimuli and communicate effectively with RTs. This course will also highlight how these disabilities and conditions can influence a patient's ability to understand instructions, tolerate unfamiliar environments, and remain still during imaging procedures. Emphasis is placed on practical, evidence-based communication strategies tailored to individual needs, including the use of visual supports, simplified language, sensory accommodations, caregiver involvement, and technological devices. By adopting patient-centered communication techniques and improving awareness, RTs can reduce patient anxiety and confusion, improve imaging compliance, and support equitable access to imaging and healthcare, leading to the best possible care and treatment outcomes.

Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content, participants should be able to:

• SUMMARIZE developmental disorders, including ASD, Asperger's syndrome, and ADHD, as well as visual and hearing impairments, in detail, along with symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment options.
• EXPLAIN the role of imaging applications in assessing and treating patients with developmental disorders and sensory impairments.
• SUMMARIZE the communication strategies for imaging patients with developmental disorders and sensory impairments to gain patient cooperation and obtain quality images.
• EXPLAIN the importance of effective communication in imaging patients with developmental disorders and sensory impairments to include strategies for patient preparation, communication techniques, and aftercare.

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 15 out of 20 questions correctly to receive CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 2.5 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

This program is approved by AHRA, a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM), approved by the ARRT to grant Category A CE credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit (for Technical credits). 

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.