Austism Spectrum Disorder Flashcards
How many children have ASD
1 in 59 children
ASD is one of the
Fastest growing developmental disorder
Is there a cure for ASD
No
What is ASD
A developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behaviour changes
Children with ASD may do what differently
Learn
Behave
Interact
Communicate
ASD children have what characteristics
Impaired social interaction
Delayed verbal and non verbal communication
Restricted and repetitive behaviour
What is used to assign ASD level
DSM - 5
Level 1 is
High functioning
Needs support
Patient social and communication skills and repetitive behaviours are only noticeable without support
Level 2 is
Moderate functioning
Needs substantial support
Level 3 is
Low functioning
Need a lot of support
What are the social signs and symptoms of ASD
Avoid eye contact
Trouble engaging or relating to others
Difficulty playing social games or using toys appropriately
Difficulty regulating or showing emotions
What are the communication signs and symptoms of ASD
Delay in babbling and/or speaking
Sudden stop or regression in learning to speak
Significant delays in understanding language
Repeating words or phrases
Flat or even voice tone
What are the behaviour signs and symptoms of ASD
Repetitive behaviors (hand flapping, rocking, jumping, etc)
Fixation or engaging in a singular activity over and over
GI disorders
Seizures and difficulty sleeping
Sensory processing difficulties with sounds, smells, tastes, etc.
What are the causes/risk factors of ASD
There is no one main cause of autism, rather a combination of genetic, non-genetic and environmental factors
What neural problems are seen in ASD
Abnormalities in the Frontal lobe and cerebellum
Enlargement of amygdala and hippocampus
More neurons in the prefrontal cortex
Reduced connectivity in frontal brain regions
Thinning of the corpus callosum
The posterior superior temporal sulcus can be
Hyperactive
Hypoactive
There are differential connectivity of
Medial dorsal/anterior thalamus
There can be neuro-glial
Synaptic dysfunction
What types of treatment are there
Behaviour and communication approaches
Dietary approaches
Medication to manage high energy levels, ability to focus, depression and seizures
What are the secondary conditions of ASD
Selective eating
Physical inactivity
Risk factors such as obesity hypertension and dyslipidemia
Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases
Exercise testing for ASD involves
Proper environment
Attractive and predictable
Same space
Allow time to adapt to new exercise
Age appropriate
Lighting and ventilation
Avoid distractions
Temperature
Appropriate sized equipment
What are the general considerations for ASD
Children with autism is unique - modify each exercise intervention
Keep explanations simple - provide visuals
Have everything organised
Ask parents what motivates them
Reward and praise
What are the special considerations for exercise for ASD
Use adaptive equipment
Use percieved exertion scales for children on antipsychotic medication - medication can influence heart rates and BP
Children of low functioning - may need individual sessions
Children of high functioning - may need group sessions
Progress gradually
Give sufficient breaks and avoid overwhelming the child
Look out for negative behaviours such as tantrums etc
Are the set exercise prescription
No
What are the benefits of exercise
Improve motor function
Behaviour
Social implications of participating in exercise
Juvenile (Type 1) diabetes have increased 23% between 2001 and 2009 in children.
False
According to the American Heart Association, at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic activity is required every day for children.
True
Moderate intensity of aerobic exercise recommended for children corresponds to noticeable increase in children’s heart rate and breathing.
True
Compared to adults, children tend to have ___ systolic blood pressure, ___ respiratory rate, ___ relative oxygen uptake.
Lower
Higher
Higher
More girls (1 in 42) tend to have ASD than boys (1 in 189).
False
There is no one main cause of ASD defined; there is no cure for ASD.
True
Less neurons are found in the prefrontal cortex area of the brain in ASD.
False - More
Children with autism spectrum disorder have higher tendency to develop _______ when they get older due to higher rate of having ______ in earlier age.
Metabolic disease
Risk factors - obesity and hypertension
You can use resting and exercise heart rate and blood pressure as a marker of intensity during exercise testing even though children with ASD take antipsychotic medications.
False
According to DSM-5, levels of ASD are identified based on functioning.
True
