ASD

Question 1

What does ASD stand for?

Answer 1

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Question 2

What is autism?

Answer 2

Problems with . . .

1. Social communication and interaction.

AND

2. Restricted/repetitive patterns of thinking.
   (a di-ad now, not a triad)

Question 3

What does spectrum imply?

Answer 3

A range of types and severities of presentations unified by overlying symptom themes

Question 4

With ADHD, there is a continuum into ….

Answer 4

Normal population

Question 5

The cut-off for diagnosis can be ….

Answer 5

Subjective and subject to social constructionism

Question 6

How many people have ASD?

Answer 6

1 in 68

Question 7

Who gets ASD more, boys or girls?

Answer 7

Boys

Question 8

What is diagnosis based on?

Answer 8

History + examination

Question 9

What are the 2 key areas that DSM-5 covers?

Answer 9

1. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction.
2. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities.

Question 10

When must symptoms be present for a diagnosis to be made?

Answer 10

In the early developmental period

Question 11

Describe the social motivation of those with ASD.

Answer 11

• Typically, those with ASD are described as ‘aloof.’
• Lack ‘theory of mind.’
• Only interested in people to meet needs.
• Happy with own company.

Question 12

Describe the social ability of those with ASD.

Answer 12

• Problems with reading and transmitting social cues.

* Overlaps with fixed thinking style: metaphor, irony and social rituals are confusing.

Question 13

Deficits in social communication and interaction encompasses what 2 things?

Answer 13

1. Social motivation

2. Social ability

Question 14

Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities encompasses what 2 things?

Answer 14

1. Inflexible/systematic thinking

2. Restrictive/repetitive behaviours

Question 15

Describe inflexible + systematic thinking.

Answer 15

• Problems with social fit.
• Change/transitions often very distressing.
• Leads to interests in systematic or logical themes. (IT, maths, engineering, collecting)

Question 16

Describe restrictive + repetitive behaviours.

Answer 16

• Need for routine and repetition.
• Collections.
• Stereotypies and stimming (characteristic repetitive movements).

Question 17

Outline the 4 language deficits of someone with ASD.

Answer 17

• No speech
• Confuse pronouns
• Odd prosody
• Echolalia

Question 18

What are the most common sensory differences to do with?

Answer 18

Sounds and textures

Question 19

What is severe autism often co-morbid with?

Answer 19

• LD (hard to separate sometimes).
• Language and other developmental problems.
• Hyperactivity.
• Behavioural issues, such as repeated self-harm.

Question 20

What is mild autism often co-morbid with?

Answer 20

• Inattention/poor organisation
• Anxiety and mood disorders
• Dyspraxia

Question 21

Is there a genetic component to ASD?

Answer 21

YES

Question 22

Outline the genetic component of ASD.

Answer 22

1. Commonly, there is an affected relative (broader phenotype).
2. 20% of siblings of people with ASD will also meet diagnostic criteria.
3. But no single gene explanation

Question 23

There is one single gene explanation for ASD.

Answer 23

FALSE

Question 24

What is ASD generally considered as?

Answer 24

A global inherent deficit

Question 25

Early diagnosis is key to reducing various factors, outline these factors.

Answer 25

* Earlier identification of needs. * More appropriate treatment for the child. * Better educational planning. * Decreased family stress.

Question 26

Are there any biological markers for ASD?

Answer 26

NO

Question 27

-There is no non-medication intervention that does what?

Answer 27

Treat the core symptoms of autism

Question 28

What is the aim of non-pharmacological management?

Answer 28

To lessen associated deficits and family distress, and to increase quality of life and functional independence.

Question 29

What can be used short term for significant aggression, tantrums or self-injury?

Answer 29

Risperidone/ Aripiprazole.

Question 30

What can be used to treat ADHD symptoms?

Answer 30

Methylphenidate.

Question 31

***THERE IS NO MEDICATION INTERVENTION THAT TREATS THE CORE SX OF AUTISM***

Answer 31

TRUE :(