ASD Flashcards
What is ASD?
- Etiology remains unknown to date
- A neurobiological disorder of development; thought to be present at birth
- Most likely the result of multiple etiological factors
- Not the result of bad parenting
- Comorbidity with other conditions (e.g., Down syndrome, fragile-X syndrome, other) can occur.
-Strong genetic influences
-higher incidence in siblings
-social-affective symptoms in other family members - Structural brain abnormalities have been found
- This area of research is mushrooming & changing rapidly with too many areas implicated to attribute ASD to a single structural abnormality
- Abnormal EEGs in 33-50%
Is ASD more prevalent in males or females?
Males 3:1
*Research is changing, might be due to lack of testing in females.
Who diagnoses ASD?
- Physicians, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Educational Psychologists
- Generally an SLP is part of team that may provide diagnosis.
- Team approach to diagnosis, with individuals who are trained in autism diagnosis, is the best.
What is the DSM-5?
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
The DSM-5 criteria for autism spectrum disorders include assessment of symptom severity related to the individual’s degree of impairment.
”the symptoms of these disorders (ASD) represent a continuum
from mild to severe, rather than being distinct disorders.”
What DSM-5 criteria are required to diagnose ASD?
- Difficulties in social communication and social interaction across contexts
- Difficulties in behavior
- Difficulties must be noted in early childhood
- Symptoms together limit and impair everyday functioning
What deficits do those with ASD usually have in social communication and interactions?
- Deficits in social/emotional reciprocity
- Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors
- Deficits in developing & maintaining relationships
What are some behaviors that those with ASD usually have?
- Stereotyped or repetitive speech, motor movements, or use of objects
- Excessive adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals (difficulty with change)
- Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus (Hyperfixations)
- Hyper or hypo-reactivity to sensory input
What is ADOS-2?
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule
- One of the largest evidence base and highest classification accuracy (≥.80)
- A semi-structured assessment of communication, social interaction, and play (or imaginative use of materials).
Three levels.
In the ADOS-2, what are the levels of severity and what do they assess?
- Level 3: Requiring very substantial support
- Level 2: Requiring substantial support
- Level 1: Requiring Support
Social Communication and restricted repetitive behaviors
What are the four moduels of the ADOS-2
- Module 1: for children with little or no phrase speech. …
- Module 2: for children who do use phrase speech, but do not speak fluently. …
- Module 3: for younger children who are verbally fluent. …
- Module 4: for adolescents and adults who are verbally fluent.
What is ADI-R?
- One fo the largest evidence base and highest classification accuracy (≥.80)
- ADI-R = Two hour structured interview with caregivers
What are some red flags for ASD in infancy and toddlerhood?
- Does not play pretend
- Does not look at what you are pointing to
- Does not use words to express needs and desires by 18 Mo.
- Does not use index finger to point out something of intrest
- Does not point at something to ask what it is
- Does not seek out/initiate social interactions
What are some strengths to those with ASD?
+ Relative strengths in visuo-spatial processing (e.g., puzzles, etc.)
+ Relative strengths in verbal short term memory
MAY encounter, not true for all
When thinking of services to children with ASD…
- Early intervention is best
- Programs should be individually designed and carefully planned.
- In order to meet the diverse needs of children with autism, each child’s individual program should draw upon a variety of program models
What is the Early Start Denver Model?
- An ASD Play-based therapy program
- Symbolic and interpersonal communication are encouraged (symbolic com. = sign, PECS)
- Coordinated interactive social relations are established (sensory social routines= baby bumble bee, pull pull pull pop)
- Intensive teaching fills in the learning deficits (specific forms or areas are taught and repeated until mastery).
- Social skills and experiences are supported.