ASD

Question 1

ASD

Answer 1

autism spectrum disorder
problems with- social communication, interaction and restrictive/repetitive patterns of thinking
Spectrum - range of types and severities

Question 2

how common is ASD

Answer 2

1 in 68

M>F

Question 3

Diagnosis

Answer 3

1. Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction
2. Restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities
   Symptoms must be present in the early development period and cause significant impairment in social, occupational or 1 other important areas
   Disturbances aren’t better explained by intellectual disability or global developmental delay

Question 4

Deficits in social communication

Answer 4

Social motivation- described as aloof, lack of theory of mind, only interested in people to meet needs, happy with own company
Social ability- problem understanding social cues, overlaps with fixed thinking style- metaphor, irony and social rituals are confusing

Question 5

Restricted patterns of behaviour, interests or activities

Answer 5

inflexible, systematic thinking
problems with social fit
change/transitions distressing,
leads to interests in systematic/logical themes eg maths
Restricted or repetitive behaviours- need for routine and repetition, collections, stereotypes

Question 6

comorbidity

Answer 6

LD, anxiety (esp social), depression, ADHD, dyspraxia, lang problems, sensory differences

Question 7

Lang problems

Answer 7

no speech
confuse pronouns
echolalia- repetition

Question 8

Sensory differences

Answer 8

sound and texture most common
taste and smell
temp and pain sensitivity

Question 9

severity and comorbidity

Answer 9

severe autism often comorbid with LD

Question 10

Causes of ASD

Answer 10

strongly heritable
no clear pathological mechanism
extreme male hypothesis

Question 11

Assessment and diagnosis

Answer 11

early diagnosis is key as allows for early recognition of needs, decreases family stress, if its less severe- diagnosis may be later which can have a bigger impact.
Assessment- semi structured interviews (3di), standardised assessment tools (ADOS)
Multiagency involvement required

Question 12

ASD management non pharmacological

Answer 12

non pharmacological- aim to lessen associated deficits
family and school based reports
applied behaviour analysis- SLT, social skills training- limited success

Question 13

ASD management pharmacological

Answer 13

risperidone/ariprazole- short term for significant aggression, tantrums or self injury
Methylphenidate- ADHD symptoms
ANtianxiety/ antidepressants/ melatonin
oxytocin- plays a key role in social behaviour, not a current clinical intervention