ASD, ADHD, Tourett's and Tics Flashcards
ASD
range of social, interaction, communication and flexible behaviour deficits
Aspergers syndrome and autistic disorder is now grouped into one ‘spectrum disorder’ which has significant range.
one end - normal intelligence and able to function everyday life but display some difficulties with reading emotions and responding to others (previously known as Aspergers). the other end of the spectrum, can be severely affected and unable to function in normal enviroments
ASD features
- social interaction
- communication
- behaviour
ASD social interaction
Social Interaction
Lack of eye contact Delay in smiling Avoids physical contact Unable to read non-verbal cues Difficulty establishing friendships Not displaying a desire to share attention (i.e. not playing with others)
ASD communication
Delay, absence or regression in language development
Lack of appropriate non-verbal communication such as smiling, eye contact, responding to others and sharing interest
Difficulty with imaginative or imitative behaviour
Repetitive use of words or phrases
ASD behaviour
Greater interest in objects, numbers or patterns than people
Stereotypical repetitive movements. There may be self-stimulating movements that are used to comfort themselves, such as hand-flapping or rocking.
Intensive and deep interests that are persistent and rigid
Repetitive behaviour and fixed routines
Anxiety and distress with experiences outside their normal routine
Extremely restricted food preferences
ASD diasgnosis
Paediatric psychiatrist / specialist.
diagnosis can be made before 3 y/o
Management of ASD
Child psychology and child and adolescent psychiatry (CAMHS)
Speech and language specialists
Dietician
Paediatrician
Social workers
Specially trained educators and special school environments
Charities such as the national autistic society
ADHD
extreme end of hyperactivity and inability to concentrate. can affect ability to carry out tasks, develop normal skills and perform in schools. features must be consistent across various settings
features of ADHD
Very short attention span
Quickly moving from one activity to another
Quickly losing interest in a task and not being able to persist with challenging tasks
Constantly moving or fidgeting
Impulsive behaviour
Disruptive or rule breaking
ADHD management
parental strategies to manage the child
healthy diet and exercise
food dietary- link (food colour)
medication- CNS stimulants:
Methylphenidate (“Ritalin“)
Dexamfetamine
Atomoxetine
Tourette’s sndrome
Tics which are persistent over a year.
Tic is an involuntary movement / sound which the child peforms repetitivley throughout the way.
more prominent under pressure / excited. urge to peform the tic and get relief ‘premonitory sensations’ (can be associated with OCD and ADHD)
examples of tics (and complex ones)
Clearing throat Blinking Head jerking Sniffing Grunting Eye rolling
Performing physical movements, such as twirling on the spot or touching objects
Copropraxia involves making obscene gestures
Coprolalia involves saying obscene words
Echolalia involves repeating other people’s words
Tics management
some improve over time
take measures to reduce stress, anxiety, triggers.
Habit reversal training
Exposure with response prevention
Medications may be tried in very severe cases, usually with antipsychotic medications
