ASD Flashcards
what is the DSM-V key criteria to be dx w ASD
- impaired social communication skills
- restricted, repetitive behaviors
- sx present in early childhood
- everyday functioning impaired/limited d/t sx
what is the CDC’s definition of ASD
group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges
what dictates where on the spectrum of autism someone is (3)
- degree of support required
- under what conditions individual may have issues w social communication and other sx of ASD
- qualifiers that accompany dx (ex: ID, language deficits)
how and why do individuals w ASD benefit from motor interventions
benefit both motor and socially
motor issues related to praxis and motor planning
- progress motor skills -> social growth to play with other kids
- frank motor skills
what is the prevalence of ASD
inc and don’t know why
- most common pedi developmental disorder
- more commonly dx in males than females
what is the etiology of ASD
genetic vulnerability w environmental trigger
- ASD is heterogenous which makes research into causation difficult
what are 6 environmental factors to the etiology of ASD
- mother taking valproic acid (for epilepsy, BPD) while pregnant
- advanced age paternal > maternal
- prenatal exposures
- extreme psychosocial conditions
- air pollutants
- heavy metals
what is a debunked environmental trigger
vaccines (esp MMR)
what medications a mom might be on that can inc ASD risk of child
valproic acid - epilepsy, BPD
SSRIs - inconsistent evidence
what role does a father with an advanced age play as an environmental trigger
de novo mutations
d/t cumulated inc risk of mutations in spermatogenesis across lifespan of father
thoughts on prenatal exposures being an environmental trigger
suggested, not definitive in its effect on the fetal environment
what are 5 prenatal exposures that may be environmental triggers
maternal obesity
DM
HTN
maternal infection -> immune response
high fetal sex steroid exposure
describe how a maternal infection may be an environmental trigger as prenatal exposure
immune response to infection passing thru placenta, inflammatory response could have impact on developing neuro processes in fetus
- low grade neuro inflammation
describe extreme psychosocial conditions as an environmental factor
institutionalization w low levels of stim & care can lead to autistic-like characteristics
- initial presentation of ASD, but amenable to treatment
extreme maternal stress as well
describe air pollutants as an environmental factor and what the evidence is
neuroinflammation and oxidative stress - relative to developing fetus
modest evidence
what heavy metals are environmental factors
toxic exposure to lead
- mercury esp
what are 3 predisposing genetic factors
- inc risk w some inherited conditions
- chromosomal abnormalities
- inc risk if sibling/twin has ASD
what inherited conditions is there an inc risk of ASD in (3)
fragile X
Rett syndrome
tuberosclerosis complex
what is an example of chromosomal abnormalities that may be seen as a genetic factor to ASD
dup15q syndrome
what evidence is there of family/twins as predisposing genetic factor
if older sib w ASD, 20% will be dx w ASD also
inc risk of ASD in identical twins (greater than fraternal)
what is the incidence of genetic causation noted in ASD
majority of cases will have no identifiable genetic cause
what 3 structures were different when seen in an ASD brain when autopsied
limbic system
cerebellum
cerebral cortex (inconsistent findings)
how is a clinical dx made
thru clinical observation and behaviors
what differences are seen in the limbic system in ASD
smaller and more dense amygdala and hippocampus vs neurotypical brains