chapter 6 Flashcards

Autism Spectrum Disorder (163 cards)

1
Q

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) characterized by in the DSM-5-TR?

A
  • Persistent differences in social communication
  • Social interaction across multiple contexts
  • Highly intense and repetitive patterns of interests and behaviors

ASD impacts how children socially respond and communicate with others.

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2
Q

What language preference is recommended for referring to individuals with autism in this textbook?

A

Identity-first language

This aligns with recommendations from autistic researchers and professional organizations.

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3
Q

In what year did the American Psychiatric Association revise the diagnostic criteria for autism?

A

2013

This revision addressed concerns about the poor diagnostic reliability of ASD subtypes.

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4
Q

What did the review of 22 studies indicate about differences between Autism subtypes?

A

No significant differences in:
* Clinical and demographic characteristics
* Neuropsychological profiles
* Comorbidity
* Prognosis

This led to the combination of subtypes into a single spectrum.

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5
Q

Who is one of the most high-profile autistic individuals mentioned?

A

Dr. Temple Grandin

She is known for her contributions to animal science and advocacy for autistic individuals.

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6
Q

What is a common misconception about the cause of autism according to historical views?

A

Autism was thought to result from cold, detached parenting

This view has been discredited; autism is now understood as a neurodevelopmental difference.

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7
Q

What are some behaviors that autistic children may exhibit?

A
  • Squealing with excitement at specific stimuli
  • Preference for routine and sameness
  • Engaging in repetitive motor activities
  • Hyper-focusing on small details

These behaviors can vary widely among autistic children.

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8
Q

True or false: Childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) is considered part of the autism spectrum in the DSM-5-TR.

A

FALSE

COS and ASD are recognized as distinct diagnoses with different characteristics.

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9
Q

What did Dr. Kanner describe in his 1943 observations of children with autism?

A
  • Attention to objects over people
  • Lack of eye contact
  • Limited or no language
  • Repetitive motor activities

Kanner’s work laid the foundation for understanding autism.

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10
Q

What is the term used by Dr. Kanner to describe autism?

A

Early infantile autism

The term reflects the early onset and characteristics observed in children.

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11
Q

What is the significance of identity-first language in the context of autism?

A

It emphasizes autism as an integral part of identity

This perspective is supported by many self-advocates and researchers.

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12
Q

What are some sensory sensitivities that autistic children may experience?

A
  • Distress from sounds like vacuum cleaners
  • Sensitivity to textures
  • Attraction to specific objects or activities

These sensitivities can significantly affect their daily experiences.

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13
Q

What does ASD stand for?

A

Autism Spectrum Disorder

It is a diagnosis characterized by differences in social communication and behavior.

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14
Q

What is the recommended approach for clinicians when addressing individuals with autism?

A

Ask for their preference on how they’d like to be addressed

This shows respect and validation for the individual’s identity.

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15
Q

What are the two symptom domains of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to DSM-5-TR?

A
  • Social communication and interaction
  • Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities

Both domains must be present for a diagnosis of ASD.

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16
Q

To be identified as autistic via DSM-5-TR, symptoms must be present in _______.

A

multiple settings

Symptoms must also be persistent and present early in development.

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17
Q

Name the three symptom types required for social communication and interaction in ASD.

A
  • Deficits in social–emotional reciprocity
  • Deficits in nonverbal communication behaviors
  • Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships

All three types are required for an ASD diagnosis.

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18
Q

What are the four types of symptoms specified under restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior for ASD?

A
  • Repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech
  • Insistence on sameness or inflexible adherence to routines
  • Highly focused interests that are different in intensity or focus
  • Hyperreactivity or hyporeactivity to sensory input

At least two types are required for an ASD diagnosis.

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19
Q

True or false: Symptoms of ASD must be present in the early developmental period.

A

TRUE

Symptoms may not fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities.

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20
Q

What is the significance of the severity ratings in DSM-5-TR for ASD?

A
  • Requiring support (level 1)
  • Requiring substantial support (level 2)
  • Requiring very substantial support (level 3)

Severity ratings help guide the types of programs and services needed.

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21
Q

Individuals with a well-established DSM-IV diagnosis of autistic disorder should be given the diagnosis of _______.

A

autism spectrum disorder

This includes individuals diagnosed with Asperger’s disorder or Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified.

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22
Q

What should be evaluated for individuals who display marked deficits in social communication but do not meet criteria for ASD?

A

social (pragmatic) communication disorder

This disorder involves persistent difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication not explained by low cognitive ability.

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23
Q

According to DSM-5-TR, symptoms of ASD cause clinically significant impairment in _______.

A

social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning

This impairment is a key criterion for diagnosis.

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24
Q

What is the role of specifiers in the DSM-5-TR classification of ASD?

A

To indicate associations with known medical or genetic conditions

Specifiers provide a detailed description of the child’s behaviors and developmental trajectory.

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25
Fill in the blank: ASD is characterized by a great deal of _______ within the behaviors of autistic individuals.
heterogeneity ## Footnote This variability is important for classification and understanding individual needs.
26
Who is **Dr. Temple Grandin**?
An autistic professional, Professor of Animal Sciences, and leading advocate for autistic persons ## Footnote She is a prominent author and was the subject of an HBO film.
27
What does **ASD** stand for?
Autism Spectrum Disorder ## Footnote ASD is defined on a spectrum due to the variability in symptoms, abilities, and characteristics.
28
True or false: ASD is an **all or nothing** phenomenon.
FALSE ## Footnote ASD symptoms are expressed in many different combinations and degrees.
29
What are the **core features** of autism as described in DSM-5-TR?
* Social communication and interaction difficulties * Repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities ## Footnote These features are essential for diagnosing ASD.
30
What are the **four types of symptoms** specified in Category B for ASD?
* Repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech * Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines * Highly focused, fixated interests * Hyperreactivity or hyporeactivity to sensory input ## Footnote Only two symptoms from this category are required to meet criteria for ASD.
31
Fill in the blank: Anjelica has **ASD with _______**.
Intellectual Disability ## Footnote Anjelica's development was significantly delayed compared to typical milestones.
32
Fill in the blank: Denzel has **ASD without _______**.
Intellectual Disability ## Footnote Denzel's abilities in spatial tasks suggested average intelligence.
33
What are some **common features** that autistic children may display?
* Intellectual disability * Epilepsy * Variability in intellectual ability, language development, and behaviors ## Footnote Autistic children can differ vastly from one another.
34
What is a significant difference in the **development** of Anjelica and Denzel?
Anjelica had severe delays in development, while Denzel met typical milestones ## Footnote Anjelica did not walk until 30 months, whereas Denzel walked on his first birthday.
35
True or false: Both Anjelica and Denzel engage in **two-way social relationships**.
FALSE ## Footnote Neither child engaged in two-way social relationships in their early years.
36
What are some **repetitive behaviors** displayed by Anjelica and Denzel?
* Anjelica checks the location of threads tied on chairs * Denzel insists on taking the same route to school ## Footnote Both children exhibit focused interests that can lead to distress with changes.
37
What are the **three critical factors** that contribute to differences among autistic children?
* Level of intellectual ability * Differences in language * Behavior changes with age ## Footnote These factors help explain the variability in presentations among autistic individuals.
38
What are some **differences in socially-oriented behaviors** observed in autistic children?
* Preference to attend to one’s own activity * Preference for reduced levels of eye-contact * Preference to use neutral facial expressions * Preference for parallel play and interaction * Monotropic cognitive style ## Footnote These differences are evident regardless of cognitive level and affect early social development.
39
Autistic children may have differences in **social expressiveness** and sensitivity to what?
* Social cues * Social reciprocity * Perspective-taking * Recognition of complex emotions * Sharing experiences or emotions ## Footnote These differences affect their interactions and ability to greet familiar individuals.
40
How do autistic children typically process **faces and facial expressions**?
* Focus on one part of the face (e.g., mouth) * Differences in recognizing facial expressions of emotion * Difficulty detecting fear ## Footnote This may be due to a preference for reduced eye-contact, which is crucial for recognizing certain emotions.
41
True or false: Autistic children often demonstrate **joint attention**.
FALSE ## Footnote They tend to prefer solo or parallel play and show minimal interest in coordinating attention with others.
42
What is the **primary purpose** of protodeclarative gestures in communication?
* Engage other people in interaction ## Footnote These gestures require shared social attention and an understanding of others' thoughts.
43
What percentage of autistic children do not develop **useful language**?
30% to 40% ## Footnote This includes children who may begin to speak and then revert in their speech development.
44
What are **instrumental gestures** used for by autistic children?
* To get someone else to do something for them ## Footnote These gestures contrast with expressive gestures, which convey feelings.
45
What is a common language use issue in autistic children known as **pronoun reversal**?
* Repeating personal pronouns as heard without changing them ## Footnote For example, answering 'Your name is Tim' instead of 'My name is Tim.'
46
What do studies indicate about the **attachment** of autistic children to their parents?
* They are responsive to caregivers * They direct more social behavior towards caregivers than strangers ## Footnote Most autistic children show a preference for their mother and use her as a secure base for exploration.
47
What are some **differences in emotional processing** observed in autistic children?
* Differences in processing emotional information * Use of neutral facial expressions * Preference for reduced eye-contact ## Footnote These differences affect how they interpret body language and gestures.
48
What is the **significance of early vocalizations** in autistic children?
* Sensitive indicator of later ASD symptoms ## Footnote Early vocalizations can predict language development challenges.
49
What must a child know beyond just the **meanings of words**?
The context in which words are used ## Footnote Autistic children may struggle with understanding nonliteral statements and adjusting language to fit situations.
50
Autistic children display differences in the **pragmatic use of language**. What are some characteristics of these differences?
* Narrative discourse differences * Fewer social conventions in language use * Challenges in recognizing thoughts and feelings of others ## Footnote These differences persist even with mastery of word order and vocabulary.
51
What are some examples of **repetitive behaviors and interests** in autistic children?
* Fascination with arithmetic * Lining up toys * Preference for specific routes ## Footnote These behaviors are characterized by high frequency and a desire for sameness.
52
True or false: Autistic children may show **repetitive behaviors** even when not directed to engage in another activity.
TRUE ## Footnote This suggests a difference in their ability to initiate activities independently.
53
What are the two dimensions of **restricted repetitive behaviors** in autistic children?
* Repetitive sensory and motor behaviors * Preference for sameness behaviors ## Footnote These dimensions reflect different aspects of repetitive behaviors.
54
What is **echolalia** in the context of autistic children?
Repetition of words or word combinations heard previously ## Footnote Echolalia can be a critical first step in language acquisition.
55
What are some examples of **self-stimulatory behaviors**?
* Hand flapping * Pencil spinning ## Footnote These behaviors are more frequent and persistent in autistic individuals.
56
What are some theories explaining why autistic children engage in **self-stimulatory behaviors**?
* Need for stimulation * Blocking out unwanted stimulation * Sensory reinforcement * Calming influence ## Footnote These theories suggest various motivations for repetitive behaviors.
57
What sensory responses might autistic children exhibit?
* Oversensitivities or undersensitivities to stimuli * Overreactive brain responses to sensory input ## Footnote These responses can lead to confusion or distress in everyday situations.
58
What are the two categories of **repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities** in autistic children?
* Repetitive sensory and motor behaviors * Preference for sameness behaviors ## Footnote These categories encompass a range of behaviors and interests typical in autism.
59
What is the **intellectual developmental disorder (IDD)** commonly associated with?
Autistic children ## Footnote IDD is a strong predictor of later functioning.
60
Approximately what percentage of autistic children are estimated to have **co-occurring IDD**?
70% ## Footnote This includes 40% with severe to profound IDD and 30% with mild to moderate IDD.
61
What is the **Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)** used for?
Assessing intellectual ability in autistic children ## Footnote It often reveals uneven performance across different subtests.
62
What common pattern is observed in **WISC** scores of autistic children?
* Low scores on verbal subtests * High scores on nonverbal subtests ## Footnote This reflects their uneven intellectual profiles.
63
What percentage of autistic children display a **special cognitive skill** above average for the general population?
25% ## Footnote These skills may include talents in spelling, reading, mathematics, music, or drawing.
64
What is the term for the ability to understand and attribute mental states to oneself and others?
Theory of Mind (ToM) ## Footnote This ability is often impaired in autistic children.
65
What is the **Sally–Anne Test** used to assess?
Children's ability to detect mental states of others ## Footnote It illustrates understanding of false beliefs.
66
True or false: Most autistic children can reliably answer the **Sally–Anne Test**.
FALSE ## Footnote Many autistic children struggle with understanding false beliefs.
67
What are the two types of cognitive differences proposed to underlie **ASD**?
* Specific cognitive differences in processing social–emotional information * General cognitive differences in information processing, planning, and attention ## Footnote These differences affect social interactions and cognitive functions.
68
What does **central coherence** refer to in the context of autism?
The tendency to interpret stimuli in a global way ## Footnote Autistic individuals may process information in bits rather than the big picture.
69
What is a common cognitive challenge faced by autistic children regarding **executive functions (EF)**?
Difficulties in planning and organizing ## Footnote This affects their problem-solving and task performance.
70
What is one example of a task where autistic individuals may perform well due to their focus on parts rather than the overall pattern?
Embedded Figures Test ## Footnote Autistic individuals may excel in identifying figures embedded in complex patterns.
71
What is the relationship between **special abilities** in autistic children and their overall intelligence?
Often viewed as a side effect of neurodiverse brain functioning ## Footnote These abilities may not enhance everyday living.
72
What is a notable characteristic of the **cognitive processing** of autistic individuals?
Tendency to segment information into parts ## Footnote This can lead to exceptional performance in specific domains.
73
What percentage of autistic children demonstrate some knowledge of **Theory of Mind (ToM)**?
15% to 60% ## Footnote These children often display better verbal and communication abilities.
74
What is the implication of the **brain scan studies** regarding mentalization in autistic individuals?
Associated with a specific brain region involved in social cognition ## Footnote This may help understand the neural basis of ASD.
75
What does **ToM** stand for in the context of cognitive differences in autistic children?
Theory of Mind ## Footnote ToM refers to the ability to understand and interpret others' mental states and intentions.
76
Children with autism perform relatively well on tasks that require attention to details of a figure rather than the overall **pattern**. True or False?
TRUE ## Footnote This is evidenced by their performance on the Embedded Figures Test.
77
A difference in **ToM** and central coherence in an autistic child may affect their knowledge of what happens at everyday real-life events such as going on a _______.
field trip ## Footnote Mental scripts help structure social experiences for children.
78
Which cognitive difference seems to be most specific to **autistic children** compared to those with IDD or specific language deficits?
Not having ToM ## Footnote Other disorders may also show differences in interpreting intentions, but ToM is particularly notable in autism.
79
Differences in processing **social–emotional information** appear to be less specific to ASD than ToM differences. True or False?
TRUE ## Footnote These differences occur in various conditions, including schizophrenia and IDD.
80
What percentage of autistic individuals experience **seizures**?
About 25% ## Footnote Seizure onset typically occurs in early childhood or late adolescence/adulthood.
81
What are common **gastrointestinal symptoms** in autistic children?
* Abdominal pain * Constipation * Bloating * Diarrhea * Nausea ## Footnote These symptoms may relate to food selectivity and unusual eating habits.
82
About **65%** of autistic children experience what common issue?
Sleep difficulties ## Footnote Sleep problems are related to sleep–wake rhythm and issues with sleep onset and maintenance.
83
Autistic children are usually described as having a typical or attractive **physical appearance**. True or False?
TRUE ## Footnote They do not display visible physical differences often seen in severe IDD.
84
Many autistic individuals have a head size that is above or significantly larger than **average**. True or False?
TRUE ## Footnote This characteristic is more common in autistic individuals compared to those with IDD, language disorder, and ADHD.
85
What is the implication of the rapid growth in head size observed in autistic infants during the first year of life?
Overproduction of brain connections ## Footnote This rapid growth may hinder their ability to adapt to and make sense of experiences.
86
The presence of multiple cognitive differences in autistic children may help explain why ASD exists in so many forms and levels of **severity**. True or False?
TRUE ## Footnote A pluralistic approach is likely needed to understand these differences.
87
Autistic children may not find **eye-to-eye contact** rewarding, which affects their social interactions. True or False?
TRUE ## Footnote This lack of motivation can lead to fewer opportunities for social communication and language development.
88
What is the term for the cognitive differences that may affect autistic children's ability to interpret others' intentions?
Theory of Mind (ToM) ## Footnote Autistic individuals may display different neural processing associated with ToM.
89
What percentage of **autistic individuals** have a co-occurring disorder?
Over 90% ## Footnote As many as 50% have four or more co-occurring disorders.
90
Name the most common **co-occurring disorders** with ASD.
* Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD) * Epilepsy * Anxiety disorders * ADHD * Learning disabilities * Oppositional and conduct problems * Mood disturbances ## Footnote These disorders often accompany autism spectrum disorder.
91
What does **SIB** stand for in the context of autism?
Self-Injurious Behavior ## Footnote It refers to self-inflicted behavior that can cause tissue damage.
92
List the **common forms** of self-injurious behavior (SIB).
* Head banging * Hand or arm biting * Excessive scratching and rubbing ## Footnote Head banging can lead to severe injuries if not prevented.
93
True or false: Rates of emergency treatment for self-inflicted injuries in autistic children are lower than for typically developing children.
FALSE ## Footnote Rates are five times greater for autistic children.
94
What are some **risk factors** for SIB in autistic children?
* Intellectual developmental disorder * Atypical sensory processing * Need for sameness * Repetitive behaviors * Impulsivity ## Footnote These factors increase the likelihood of self-injurious behavior.
95
What percentage of **autistic children** are estimated to have IDD?
About 70% ## Footnote Recent reports suggest this percentage may be lower due to increased diagnoses of ASD.
96
What is the **theory of mind (ToM)** difference observed in autistic children?
Difference in understanding mental states ## Footnote This includes beliefs, intentions, feelings, and desires.
97
What are some **co-occurring medical conditions** in autistic children?
* Seizures * Sleep problems * Gastrointestinal symptoms * Increased head size ## Footnote These conditions may accompany autism spectrum disorder.
98
What is the estimated prevalence of ASD in children in the U.S.?
1 per 36 children ## Footnote This is approximately 4% of boys and 1% of girls.
99
What are some proposed causes for the **increase in ASD prevalence**?
* Greater awareness * Broader definitions * Increased recognition and diagnosis * Changes in diagnostic criteria * Better case-finding methods ## Footnote None of the proposed causes like vaccines or environmental factors have been scientifically substantiated.
100
True or false: ASD is found equally across different **social levels** and is identified worldwide.
TRUE ## Footnote It is about four to five times more common in boys than in girls.
101
What is the **extreme male brain theory** of ASD?
Autistic individuals are presumed to have extreme systemizing abilities and low empathizing abilities ## Footnote This theory is controversial and suggests cognitive differences between genders.
102
What is the **ratio** of ASD prevalence in boys compared to girls?
4 to 5 times more common in boys ## Footnote This ratio remains constant even with increasing prevalence estimates.
103
What is a significant finding regarding **gender variance** in autistic children?
Higher than expected rates of gender variance and/or gender dysphoria ## Footnote Autistic adolescents show a higher desire to be the opposite sex compared to the general population.
104
What is the **earliest point** in development at which ASD can be reliably detected?
12 to 18 months ## Footnote Early detection can lead to increased services and improved parent-child interactions.
105
What are some **possible early indicators** of ASD?
* Uses few gestures to express social interest * Doesn’t respond when name is called * Rarely makes eye contact * Limited babbling in social contexts * Displays odd or repetitive hand movements ## Footnote These indicators can help in early diagnosis.
106
What is the **gold-standard assessment tool** for autism?
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – 2 (ADOS-2) ## Footnote It is a semi-structured observation scale designed for diagnosing ASD.
107
What are the **different pathways** autistic children may develop along?
* Different behavior soon after birth * Typical development for the first year followed by regression * Significant behavioral changes over time ## Footnote These pathways illustrate the variability in the development of autistic children.
108
During **adolescence**, which behaviors may worsen in autistic children?
* Hyperactivity * Self-injury * Compulsivity ## Footnote These behaviors can lead to increased challenges during adolescence.
109
What are common differences in **later adolescence and adulthood** for autistic individuals?
* Repetitive motor movements * Anxiety * Socially divergent behaviors * Loneliness * Social disadvantage and exclusion * Work difficulties ## Footnote These differences highlight ongoing challenges faced by autistic individuals as they grow older.
110
What percentage of autistic children showed continuing difficulties leading to **independent life**?
70% or more ## Footnote This statistic reflects the challenges faced by many autistic individuals in achieving independence.
111
What are the two strongest predictors of **adult outcomes** for independence in autistic children?
* Intellectual ability * Language development ## Footnote These factors significantly influence long-term outcomes for autistic individuals.
112
ASD occurs in as many as **1 in 36 children**. What is the approximate percentage of boys and girls affected?
* 4% of boys * 1% of girls ## Footnote This statistic indicates the prevalence of ASD among different genders.
113
What prenatal complications have been identified in a small percentage of autistic children?
* Preterm birth * Bleeding during pregnancy * Toxemia * Viral infection or exposure * Lack of vigor after birth ## Footnote These complications may increase the likelihood of ASD.
114
True or false: **Vaccinations** have been conclusively linked to the development of ASD.
FALSE ## Footnote Overwhelming scientific evidence shows no link between vaccinations and ASD, despite widespread misinformation.
115
What is the **fragile-X anomaly** associated with in autistic children?
About 2% to 3% of autistic children ## Footnote This chromosomal anomaly has led to increased attention to genetic factors related to ASD.
116
What is the **broader autism phenotype**?
* Social differences * Language differences * Personality features similar to ASD but less notable ## Footnote Family members of autistic individuals may exhibit these traits without a formal diagnosis.
117
What is the concordance rate for **ASD in identical twins**?
70% to 90% ## Footnote This high rate suggests a strong genetic component in the likelihood of developing ASD.
118
What environmental factors may influence the emergence and developmental course of **ASD**?
* Low birth weight * Multiple births * Maternal infections during pregnancy * Parental age ## Footnote These factors highlight the importance of environmental influences on ASD.
119
What has been concluded about the relationship between **parental age** and ASD?
* Older mothers and fathers are more likely to have an autistic child * Increased maternal age associated with a 38% greater likelihood * Increased paternal age associated with a 22% greater likelihood ## Footnote These findings suggest that parental age may be a contributing factor to the increase in ASD.
120
What is the role of **molecular genetics** in understanding ASD?
* Identifying susceptibility genes * Exploring environmental influences on gene expression ## Footnote Molecular genetics research aims to uncover genetic factors associated with ASD.
121
Fill in the blank: ASD is a biologically-based **__________ disorder** with multiple causes.
neurodevelopmental ## Footnote This classification reflects the complex nature of ASD's origins.
122
What does **ASD** stand for?
Autism Spectrum Disorder ## Footnote ASD is a biologically based neurodevelopmental condition.
123
ASD is associated with rare changes in genes and a few common variants. Name one type of genetic alteration associated with ASD.
* Submicroscopic deletions * Insertions of segments of DNA ## Footnote These genetic factors may have a strong effect for a small proportion of individuals with ASD.
124
Fill in the blank: The expression of ASD gene(s) may be influenced by _______ such as exposure to drugs or maternal illness.
environmental factors ## Footnote This influence primarily occurs during fetal brain development.
125
True or false: There is a known biological marker for **ASD**.
FALSE ## Footnote Impressive advances have been made in documenting the neurobiological basis of ASD, but no biological marker has been identified.
126
What are the **neuropsychological differences** in ASD commonly found in?
* Verbal intelligence * Orienting and selective attention * Memory * Pragmatic language * Executive functions ## Footnote These differences suggest involvement of multiple brain regions.
127
Which brain regions are commonly associated with **structural differences** in individuals with ASD?
* Cerebellum * Medial temporal lobe * Limbic system structures ## Footnote These areas are linked to functions often atypical in autistic children.
128
The **cerebellum** is primarily associated with which function?
Motor movement ## Footnote It is also involved in social cognition, emotion modulation, language, executive function, learning, thought, and attention.
129
What is the role of the **amygdala** in relation to ASD?
* Recognizing emotional significance of stimuli * Orienting toward social stimuli * Perception of eye gaze direction * Long-term memory ## Footnote Structural and functional differences in the amygdala have been observed in autistic individuals.
130
Fill in the blank: Studies have found a decrease in functional connections between cortical and _______ regions in autistic individuals.
subcortical ## Footnote This is associated with a delay in the maturation of the frontal cortex.
131
What is the **default mode network (DMN)** associated with?
* Internal tasks * Daydreaming * Thinking about the future * Retrieving autobiographical memories * Assessing others’ perspectives ## Footnote The DMN includes brain regions involved in higher-order social-cognitive processes that are impaired in autistic children.
132
The relationship between a child's early likelihood for ASD and later outcomes is mediated by how the child interacts with and adapts to their _______.
environment ## Footnote The environment's adaptation to the child's neurodiversity is also crucial for better outcomes.
133
What are some **prenatal and neonatal complications** that may be associated with ASD?
* Low birth weight * Bleeding during pregnancy * Maternal infections * Toxemia * Viral infection or exposure * Lack of vigor after birth ## Footnote These complications can contribute to the development of ASD.
134
ASD is considered a **genetically-based condition**. What is more likely than specific genes with large effects?
A complex genetic disorder resulting from rare changes and simultaneous genetic variations in multiple genes ## Footnote Shared environmental experiences and epigenetic factors may also be involved.
135
True or false: Nonautistic relatives of autistic individuals display lower-than-normal rates of social, language, and cognitive differences.
FALSE ## Footnote They display higher-than-normal rates of such differences, similar in quality to those found in ASD.
136
What types of **structural changes** have been found in the brains of individuals with ASD?
* Changes in the cerebellum * Changes in the medial temporal lobe * Changes in the prefrontal cortex * Changes in related limbic system structures ## Footnote These changes are not localized to one part of the brain.
137
What is the **average number of different therapies** parents of autistic children report trying?
Seven to nine therapies ## Footnote Parents are currently using four to six therapies.
138
Approximately how many **different treatments, supports, and services** are being used by autistic individuals?
About 400 different treatments ## Footnote This includes a wide range of interventions and supports.
139
What is the shift in the autism research and clinical field from the **medical model** to the **social model**?
From 'treatment to cure autism' to providing services and supports ## Footnote This shift aims to help autistic individuals navigate a non-adaptive social environment.
140
True or false: Many parents are still looking to **'cure' autism**.
TRUE ## Footnote This mindset makes them vulnerable to spurious claims of dramatic improvements.
141
Name some widely publicized **treatments** that have not lived up to their claims under scientific scrutiny.
* Vitamins * Nutritional supplements * Special diets * Medications * Hyperbaric oxygen therapy * Chelation therapy * Weighted vests * Secretin * Intranasal oxytocin * Immunotherapy * Auditory training * Music therapy * Dance/movement therapy * Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation * Sensory integration * Facilitated communication * Equine-assisted therapy * Use of trained service dogs * Swimming with dolphins ## Footnote Some treatments may have harmful effects.
142
What are the goals for most **services and supports** for autistic individuals?
* Minimize core concerns of ASD * Maximize independence and quality of life * Help cope with a non-adaptive world ## Footnote These goals aim to validate and accommodate neurodiversity.
143
What type of **interventions** may improve learning and behavior for autistic individuals?
* Behavioral treatments * Educational treatments * Medication treatments ## Footnote These interventions can enhance development and learning.
144
What is the **AIM HI** program designed to do?
A caregiver and child skill-building intervention ## Footnote It teaches positive skills for children and strategies for caregivers.
145
What are some **socially-oriented behaviors** taught to autistic children?
* Expressing affection * Social toy play * Social pretend play * Initiating and maintaining interactions * Taking turns and sharing ## Footnote These behaviors help enhance social interaction.
146
What is the **UCLA PEERS** social skills training program aimed at?
Improving social skills knowledge and responsiveness in teens ## Footnote It targets various areas of social skills and has shown significant improvements.
147
What is the purpose of **operant speech training** for autistic children?
To increase vocalizations and teach functional language use ## Footnote This training emphasizes spontaneous communication in everyday situations.
148
What does the **Unstuck and On Target (UOT)** program focus on?
Increasing cognitive flexibility, goal-setting, and planning ## Footnote It uses cognitive-behavioral strategies to improve executive functioning.
149
What are some **common interventions** used to reduce tantrums and aggressive behaviors in autistic children?
* Rewarding competing behaviors * Planned ignoring * Emotion regulation skills ## Footnote These interventions help children learn more adaptive forms of social interaction.
150
What is the **importance of individualized interventions** for autistic children?
They must target both ASD core behaviors and adaptive functioning ## Footnote Improvement in one area does not guarantee improvement in the other.
151
What is the potential downside of **masking** for autistic individuals?
It can lead to burnout and distress ## Footnote Masking involves trying to appear non-autistic to fit societal expectations.
152
What does **UOT** stand for in the context of interventions for autistic children?
Unstructured Observational Training ## Footnote UOT showed significantly greater improvement in problem-solving, flexibility, and planning/organizing skills.
153
After intervention, children receiving **UOT** showed improvements in which skills?
* Problem-solving * Flexibility * Planning/organizing ## Footnote Observations indicated better rule-following and transitions in the classroom.
154
True or false: Both groups receiving UOT and social skills training made equivalent gains in **social skills**.
TRUE ## Footnote This indicates that both interventions were effective in improving social skills.
155
What is the significance of treating **executive functioning differences** in autistic children at a young age?
May improve quality-of-life outcomes in important adaptive behaviors ## Footnote Prior differences predict poorer later daily living skills and socialization.
156
What is the average age of autistic children entering early-intervention programs?
3 to 4 years or younger ## Footnote Early intervention is crucial for better outcomes.
157
List the key features of effective **early interventions** for autistic children.
* Early intervention * Intensive engagement (25 hours/week) * Low student-teacher ratio * High structure * Family inclusion * Peer interactions * Generalization of skills * Ongoing assessment ## Footnote These features contribute to the effectiveness of early intervention programs.
158
What is the primary goal of **Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)**?
Help autistic children develop skills and reduce harmful behaviors ## Footnote ABA has evolved and is now mandated for insurance coverage in all 50 states.
159
Fill in the blank: The **Discrete Trial Training (DTT)** method in ABA has been criticized for using _______.
Aversive reinforcement techniques ## Footnote Current ABA practices no longer use harmful techniques like shock.
160
What is a common criticism of ABA regarding its goals?
To extinguish or change behaviors that may bother neurotypical individuals ## Footnote This can send harmful messages to autistic children about their natural behaviors.
161
What types of **psychotropic medications** are commonly prescribed to autistic children?
* Antipsychotics * Antidepressants * Stimulants ## Footnote Medication use has increased, often involving multiple prescriptions.
162
True or false: Medications for autistic children alter the core differences of autism.
FALSE ## Footnote Medications may alleviate specific behavioral symptoms but do not change core autistic traits.
163
What is the importance of evaluating the **risks, benefits, and costs** of medications for autistic children?
To avoid harm from overuse and underuse ## Footnote This is particularly crucial for very young children.