FACULTY:
Mario Fierro, MD, is a developmental and behavioral pediatrician and is Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UT Health San Antonio.
OVERVIEW:
Pediatrics Now host Holly Wayment and the Department of Pediatrics bring us a recent grand rounds talk by Dr. Mario Fierro where he reviews how autism is defined under DSM‑5, explains core diagnostic areas (social/communication deficits and restricted/repetitive behaviors), and emphasizes age‑based interpretation and the spectrum of severity.
He covers screening (M‑CHAT), standardized assessments (ADOS, CARS), common comorbidities, and risk factors (genetics, prematurity, congenital conditions), and practical considerations for clinicians and families.
He also discusses treatment options—speech/OT, ABA, FDA‑approved medications for symptoms—reviews alternative therapies and controversies (including leucovorin research and vaccine myths), and offers pragmatic advice on when to refer and focus on functional communication.
OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Increased awareness and education for pediatric providers
DISCLOSURE TO LEARNERS:
Speaker: Mario Fierro, MD has no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
The Pediatrics Now Podcast Planning Committee members: Steven Seidner, MD, and Holly Wayment have no financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
The University of Texas at San Antonio and Steven Seidner, MD course director and content reviewer for the activity, have reviewed all financial disclosure information for all speakers, facilitators, and planning committee members; and determined and resolved all conflicts of interests.
CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION STATEMENTS:
The University of Texas at San Antonio is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Texas at San Antonio designates this live activity up to a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the activity, with individual assessments of the participant and feedback to the participant, enables the participant to earn 0.75 MOC point in the American Board of Pediatrics’ (ABP) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABP MOC credit.
CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE:
Healthcare professionals will receive a certificate of attendance and are asked to consult with their licensing board for information on applicability and acceptance.
Credit may be obtained upon successful completion of the activity’s evaluation.
RELEASE DATE:
10/22/2025
EXPIRATION DATE:
8/31/2028