Autism Flashcards
What is Autism (ASD)?
a range of complex neurodevelopmental disorders
How is Autism Characterized?
- social impairments
- communication difficulties
- restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors
How common is Autism?
present in 1/68 to 1/50 children
more common in males
ASD Etiology
no one etiology → genetic predisposition with environmental interactions
list several genetic conditions associated with autism
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Fragile X
- Prader-Willi
- Angleman
- Down syndrome
- Moebius
- Charge
List brain abnormalities associated with ASD
- underconnectivity
- decreased cortical thickness
- glial inflammation
- decreased Purkinje cells
- dysfunction of mirror neurons
Describe the symptom of:
Marked Impairment to Communication
- delay in, or total lack of development of spoken language
- impaired ability to initiate/sustain conversation
- stereotyped and/or repetitive use of language
- idiosyncratic language
- Pitch, intonation, rate, rhythm, stress abnormal
- comprehension often very delayed
- lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play
Describe the symptom:
marked impairment of social interaction
- reciprocity and awareness of others impaired
- no interest in establishing friends
- lack of understanding social conventions
- lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment or interests with others
describe the symptom:
markedly restricted repertoire of activities and interests
- encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest
- increased adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
- stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms
- repetitively mimicking actions
- insistence on sameness
- resistance/distress over trivial changes
- highly attached to some inanimate objects
List associated features of Autism
- intellectual deficits
- cognitive skills uneven
- hyperactivity
- short attention span
- impulsivity
- aggressiveness, self-injurious behavior, tantrums
- abnormalities of mood/affect
- eating or sleep abnormalities
- oversensitivity to sensory stimuli
________ are the defining features of Autism
social impairments
list motor impairments in infants/toddlers with Autism
- delayed acquisition of motor skills w/tendency for asymmetry
- delayed UE skills
- may see unusual postures, rocking, arm flapping
- waddling gait
- lack of heel toe and reciprocal arm swing
*
describe several delayed UE skills in infants and toddlers with Autism
All of the following may be delayed
- reaching and grasping
- clapping
- pointing
- playing with blocks and puzzles
- turning door knobs
describe motor impairments associated with Autism that are observed in childhood
- ataxic or parkinsonian gait
- poor UE and LE coordination
- including bilateral coordination and visuomotor coordination
- poor manual dexterity
- motor stereotypes
- poor feedback and feedforward control
- impairments in imitation and praxis
what is SMD?
Sensory Modulation Disorder
- difficulties in regulating and organizing the nature and intensity of behaviors in response to specific domains of sensory input
List the 3 categories of SMD
- Under-responsive
- Over-responsive
- Sensation Seeking
AND a 4th kind of Mixed
What does the Dunn Model of Sensory Processing say?
Atypical responses to sensory stimulation can be sub-classified based on neurological threshold and corresponding behavioral responses to stimuli
what are the 2 sub-classifications in the Dunn Model of Sensory Processing?
- Low Neurological threshold
- High Neurological threshold
describe the low neurological threshold
sensory sensitive or sensory avoiding since they are more sensitive to stimuli
describe the high neurological threshold
low registration or sensory seeking since they require higher intensity or frequency of input to register the sensation
which threshold is more correlated with deficiencies in competence?
Low neurological threshold
What outcome measures can be used to screen for ASD?
- M-CHAT
- Sensory Profile
what is Sensory Integration therapy (SI)?
a program of intervention involving meaningful therapeutic activities characterized by enhanced sensation, active participation and adaptive interaction
which senses does SI therapy especially focus on?
- tactile
- vestibular
- proprioceptive
T/F: SI therapy can be considered a neurological process that organizes sensation from one’s own body and from the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively within the environment
TRUE
Describe some PT treatment strategies for ASD
- Use of visual supports
- Picture cards
- activity schedules
- provide order, predictability, and alleviates anxiety
Interventions for hyposensitivity
- provide activities that are rich in tactile input
- provide activities that provide deep pressure input to joint and muscle sensory receptors
- provide activities rich in vestibular input
give examples of activities rich in tactile input
- tactile books
- sand
- water
- macaroni
- textured toys
give examples of activity that provide deep pressure input to joints and muscles
- jumping
- pushing
- pulling
- lifting
- carrying
- tight hugs
- compressive clothes
give examples of activities that provide vestibular input
- swinging
- rocking
- rolling
- spinning
T/F: treatments should be passively applied
FALSE
should be active, related to function (if possible), and closely monitored for AE
what are sensory diets?
planned and scheduled sensory activities developed by the therapist and carried out by the patient or family
how can SI therapy assist with hypersensitivity?
engaging in planned, controlled, and specific sensory activities on a regular basis may lead to improved tolerance to sensory input which may lead to decreased sensory defensiveness
how are activities for hypersensitivity different from hyposensitivity?
activities and tasks may look similar
BUT
they differ in duration
how often should tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive input be provided?
on a regular and consistent basis
T/F: unexpected light touch or quick movements can help decrease hypersensitivity
FALSE
should avoid them
sensory input should be firm, predictable and smooth
what can assist with creating a calm state in hypersensitivity?
bland environments
deep pressure
what is a Brushing program and how may it help with hypersensitivity?
surgical scrub brush firmly and rhythmically applied down arms, legs, and back 5-10x (going in the direction of the hair) followed by joint compression
6-10x daily
how can vibration be used in hypersensitivity?
provides artificial proprioception
may temporarily decrease hypersensitivity
