Autism

Question 1

Shared features in autism spectrum disorders

Answer 1

1. Social and emotional understanding. Difficulty undertanding social conventions. Not knowing what to do, when and why. May do and say things which are socially unacceptable.
2. Difficulties in knowing how to communicate effectively and in understanding and using speech and non-verbal language
3. Flexbility of thinking and behaviour. Find it hard to be flexible, hard to change when circumstances change
4. Sensory procesing and responses

Question 2

Presentation of patients with autism spectrum disorders

Answer 2

Present with anxiety disorders or depression

Have an unusual communicaiton style

Not keen to be examined or touched

Have problems if appointment time is not adhered to

May appear rude and arrogant

Socially isolated from family/friends

Question 3

What are the communication problems in autistic people?

Answer 3

Difficultes in knowing how to communicate effectively and understanding the communication of others.

Includes all forms of spoken words, facial expression, gesture, body language and intonation

Question 4

Problems with social and emotional understanding in people with autism

Answer 4

Difficulties in understanding the social cues. Find it hard to know what to do when and why, and not able to read people’s minds and intentions.

Often do and say things that are socially unacceptable because they do not understand social conventions.

Question 5

What are the problems with flexiility in autistic people?

Answer 5

Difficulty in thinking and behaving flexibly. Find it hard to change according to a change in the situation e.g. timetable, clothes, staff, and find it hard to problem solve.

Find it difficult to adapt when the situation they are in changes.

Question 6

What are some of the sensory experiences in autism?

Answer 6

Some have sensory overload and are overwhelmed with to much. Some have delayed perception and need time to perceive and understand.

Includes sights, sounds, touch, smell, taste, body awareness and balance.

Have difficulties in screening out irrelevant information. They are single channeled, and not able to notice sensory stimuli at all times.

Question 7

Common behaviours in aduts with autism

Answer 7

Stil live at home with parents

Have intense hobbies/collections

Develop OCD - personal hygeine, cleaning

Become noctournal

Have no relationships or experience breakdown.

Question 8

Signs which might indicate ASD

Answer 8

Delay/absence of speech

Ineffective one-sided communication

Issues in playing with children

Unusual interets and unconventional play with toys

Failure to share in the interests of others

Resistance to change to familiar routines

Question 9

What disorders commonly occur along with autism?

Answer 9

ADHD

Epilepsy

Sleep disorders

Depression

OCD

Dyslexia

Dyspraxia