ASD Flashcards
What are autism spectrum disorders?
Suspected in children who fail to acquire normal social and communication skills. The child presents with a triad of difficulties and associated co-morbidities
M>F, presents 2-4yrs
If only some behaviours present described as having autistic features
What are the features of impaired social interaction?
Does not seek comfort, share pleasure, form close friendships
Prefers own company, no interest or ability in interacting with peers
(play or emotions)
Gaze avoidance
Lack of joint attention
Socially and emotionally inappropriate behaviour
Does not appreciate that others have thoughts and feelings
Lack of appreciation of social cues
What are the features of speech and language disorder?
Delayed development (may be severe)
Limited use of gestures and facial expression
Formal pedantic language, monotonous voice
Impaired comprehension with over-literal interpretation of speech
Echoes questions, repeats instructions, refers to self as ‘you’
Can have superficially good expressive speech
What are the features of imposition of routines with ritualistic and repetitive behaviour?
On self and others, with violent temper tantrums if disrupted Unusual stereotypical movement, such as hand flapping and tiptoe gait
Concrete play (hands-on play)
Poverty of imagination in play and general activities
Peculiar interests and repetitive adherence
Restriction in behaviour repertoire
What are comorbidities of ASD?
Learning and attention difficulties (2/3)
Seizures (1/4)
Affective disorders- anxiety, sleep disturbance
Mental health disorders- ADHD
What is the management for ASD?
Applied behavioural analysis, a behaviour modification approach that helps to reduce ritualism, develop language, social skills and play. It is most widely accepted management approach, but requires 25-30 hours of individual therapy a week, so is costly and time consuming.
Special school may be the appropriate choice for education and some school incorporate applied behavioural analysis in their teaching methods.
Fewer than 10% of children with autism are able to function independently as adults
What is Asperger’s syndrome?
Refers to a child with social impairments of an autism spectrum disorder but at the milder end and near-normal speech development
What are the features of Asperger’s?
Major difficulties with the give-and-take of ordinary social encounters
An unnatural manner of speaking
Narrow, unusual and often intense interests which they do not share with others • Clumsiness
What is the management for Asperger’s?
Currently no treatment for the core symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome, but comorbidities, such as ADHD and depression, can be managed with conventional medications
