ASD (autism) Flashcards
what are the symptoms of autism
- Epilepsy or seizure disorder
- Mental retardation
(Delayed language skills, movement skills, cognitive or learning skills.) - Hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive behaviour.
explain verbal vs. visual intelligence in autism
verbal intelligence: there was a significant association between presence or absence of autism and having a Performance IQ score 15 or more points less than the Verbal IQ score.
visual intelligence: isolates on details and perseverate visual attention on repetitive visual behaviours.
What is Asperger’s syndrome?
Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a developmental disorder. Young people with Asperger’s Syndrome have a difficult time relating to others socially and their behavior and thinking patterns can be rigid and repetitive.
what are the three levels of ASD
Which DSM is anointed to ASD
- Asperger’s syndrome: High functioning
difficult initiating social interactions, organisation and planning problems, required support - moderate function:
social interaction limited, frequent restricted/repetitive behaviours, requires substantial support. - classic ASD: low-functioning:
severe ASD, Problems expressing themselves both verbally and nonverbally can make it very hard to function, interact socially, and deal with a change in focus or location.
DSM-5
what is the heritability of ASD
80%
what environmental factors play a role in the etiology of ASD
- Advanced parental age at time of conception
- Prenatal exposure to air pollution or certain pesticides
- Maternal obesity, diabetes, or immune system disorders
- Extreme prematurity or very low birth weight
- Oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain
what is the influence of air pollution on the risk of autism?
Exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) has been linked with significantly increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, particularly if exposure occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy or during early childhood, according to a meta-analysis from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The new study found that the risk of ASD increased by 64% with exposure to 10 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter of air (mcg/m3) during early childhood and by 31% during prenatal periods.
weak evidence for the pollutants:
- NO
- PM10 and O3
What are brain abnormalities in ASD?
Lateral occipital lobe, the pericentral region, the medial temporal lobe, the basal ganglia, and proximate to the right parietal operculum.
what is the ratio men:women who have ASD
4:1
This suggests it is an X-chromosomal psychiatric disorder.
what are indication of a genetic disorder/syndrome ?
- dysmorphic features
- structural brain abnormalities
- congenital abnormalities
what is the difference between an monogenetic and complex disorder?
Monogenetic: : 1 gene, mendelian inheritance, dominant/recessive, autosomaal/x
chromosomal/mitochondrial
Complex: the combination of environmental and genetic factors that shape a disorder
Define the fragile X syndrome
x-chromosomal linked
ASD revealed later in life.
Caused by a repeat on the FMR1 gene on the X chromosome. (200 repeats CGG)
15-33% van FXS patients has ASD
2-5% ASD patients have FXS
Define Rett syndrome
X-chromosomal disorder (vast majority girls)
mutation on the MeCP2 gene
loss of acquired skills after 6 months, communication only with eyes, sleep deprivation.
every child with Rett syndrome has ASD
Define Tuberous sclerosis
Multi-system disorder.
seizures, mental retardations, ASD, developmental disorders.
mutations in TSC1 and TSC2
Define Pradar Willie syndrome
imprinting defect on 15q11 chromosome
