ASD Flashcards
Who first described Autism in 1943?
Leo Kanner in ‘Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact’
Kanner’s work laid the foundation for understanding autism as a distinct clinical condition.
What is the male-to-female ratio for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
3–4:1
This ratio indicates a higher prevalence of ASD in males compared to females.
What percentage of individuals with ASD experience gastrointestinal problems?
~ 47%
Gastrointestinal issues are a common co-occurring medical condition in ASD.
What is the estimated prevalence of ASD according to Maenner et al. (2020)?
1 in 54
This statistic highlights the increasing recognition and diagnosis of ASD.
Fill in the blank: More than ___% of 3-year-old children with ASD have speech and language delays.
80
Speech and language delays are significant indicators in early ASD diagnosis.
What psychiatric condition frequently co-occurs with ASD and affects social function?
ADHD
ADHD is seen in approximately 28% of individuals with ASD, impacting their ability to interact socially.
What does Baron-Cohen’s ‘weak theory of mind’ suggest about children with ASD?
They cannot differentiate what they know from what others know
This concept is central to understanding social cognition deficits in ASD.
What are positive prognostic factors for adult independence in individuals with ASD?
- Early intervention
- Average nonverbal communication skills by age 3
- Speaking in phrases by age 6
- No intellectual disability
- Stronger adaptive skills
These factors significantly enhance the likelihood of achieving independence in adulthood.
What is the core definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to DSM-5?
Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, along with restrictive or repetitive interests and behaviors
This definition emphasizes the multifaceted nature of ASD.
What is the estimated concordance rate for ASD in identical twins?
50%–80%
This high concordance rate suggests a strong genetic component in the etiology of ASD.
True or False: Evidence-based pharmacological treatment for core symptoms of ASD is well established.
False
There are currently no medications proven to treat the core symptoms of ASD; treatments focus on co-occurring conditions.
What is a common behavioral issue related to eating observed in individuals with ASD?
Restricted eating patterns
This includes conditions like avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder and can be evident from early childhood.
What is the role of early intervention in ASD?
Optimizes functional outcomes
Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving long-term outcomes in individuals with ASD.
What is the percentage of individuals with ASD that experience epilepsy?
About 8.6%
Epilepsy is more common in females and those with intellectual disabilities among the ASD population.
What is the term used by Baron-Cohen to describe deficits in understanding others’ mental states in ASD?
Mindblindness
This term encapsulates a significant aspect of social cognition challenges faced by individuals with ASD.
Name two disorders included in the differential diagnosis of ASD.
- Rett syndrome
- Intellectual disability without ASD
These conditions can present with symptoms similar to those of ASD, complicating diagnosis.
What does the term ‘extreme male brain theory’ refer to?
A theory proposed by Baron-Cohen blending social cognition and processing style in ASD
This theory suggests that traits associated with ASD are exaggerated versions of typically male cognitive styles.
