ASD Flashcards
What is autism?
Neurodevelopmental disorder: impairment of social interaction
Impairment in communication
Restricted, stereotyped interests and behaviours
What are risk factors for ASD?
Male Genetics Advancing parental age Parental psychiatric disorders Prematurity Maternal valproate use
What are clinical features of ASD?
Abnormal social interaction: Poor eye contact Few social gestures - waving nodding No social smile Emtionless expression
Impaired social communication:
Distorted, delayed speech
Echolalia - repetition of another person’s spoken words
Abnormal intonation
Restrictive/repetitive activities
Stereotyped behaviour - rocking, twisting
Abnormal preoccupations - toys, materials
Need for routine - upset if disrupted
Only ear certain foods
What are conditions associated with ASD?
Epileptic seizures Visual impairment Hearing impairment Infections Pica - eating inedible objects Constipation Sleep disorders ADHD
What criteria for ASD diagnosis?
One of the following before the age of 3:
Abnormal/impaired development
Abnormalities in social interaction
Abnormalities in communication
Restrictive repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests and activiteis
What is Asperger’s syndrome?
Similar to autos with abnroaliteis in social interaction and restricted, stereotyped, repetitive interests and behaviours.
However, unlike autism there is NO IMPAIRMENT in language, cognition or intelligence
More prevalen in boys
What is Rett’s syndrome?
Severe, progressive disorder starting in early life
Mostly in girls
Language impairment, repetitive stereotyped hand movements, loss of fine motor skills, irregular breathing, seizures.
It presents in affected girls who develop normally for the first 6 months, but then by 18 months of age begin to regress and lose skills. Marked features include speech delay and repetitive hand movements, in particular hand-wringing and flapping.
What management for ASD?
Behavioural management strategies:
Visual timetables
Preparation and explanation for changes in routine
Educational measures:
Special schooling
Treat co-morbid conditions
Melatonin for sleep
