82B Autism

Question 1

Autism spectrum disorder diagnostic criteria

Answer 1

1) severe communication/interaction issues in multiple contexts for age/developmental level
- low eye contact/lack of expression
- no friends but doesn’t care
2) severe restriction, repetitive pattern of behavior
- phrases, lining up toys, sameness
3) symptoms present early in development
4) impairment in functioning
5) not explained by ID, global developmental delay

Question 2

Autism severity specifier levels

Answer 2

1 = requiring support (deficits cause impairment w/out support)
2 = substantial support (deficits w/ support)
3 = very substantial support (severe deficits)

Question 3

Autism evaluation

Answer 3

Clinical diagnosis
CHAT (checklist for autism in toddlers)
CARS (childhood autism rating scale)
ADOS (autism diagnostic observation schedule) - gold standard

Question 4

Common features with autism

Answer 4

ID (75%)
regression at 15-18 months (30%)
hyperactive, short attention
seizures
sleep problems

Question 5

Medical conditions with autism

Answer 5

fragile X
Down’s
tuberous sclerosis
micro/macrocephaly

Question 6

who gets autism

Answer 6

Males
highly genetic (polygenic)
seen with downs, fragile x, other genetic disorders

Question 7

autism neuroanatomy

Answer 7

larger brains with widespread asymmetries, ventrical enlargement, low connectivity of cortex

Question 8

autism treatment

Answer 8

Appropriate educational placement
Behavior modification
Social skills training (use stories)
Therapy (patient and family)
Meds for co-morbidities)