Autism

Question 1

What is autism?

Answer 1

Developmental disorder that affects communication and socialisation in children and adults

Question 2

What are features of impairment of social interaction in autism?

Answer 2

Needing alone time when feeling overwhelmed
Behaving in socially inappropriate ways
Struggling to form friendships
Appearing insensitive

Question 3

What are features of impairment of social communication in autism?

Answer 3

Difficulty interpreting sarcasm
Taking phrases literally e.g. its raining cats and dogs
Needing extra time to process info
Echolalia beyond normal developmental stage

Question 4

What are unusual behaviours in autism?

Answer 4

Repetitive behaviours
Restrictive behaviours - same routines
Sensory over/understimulation
Highly focused interests - academic success
Anxiety
Meltdowns
Shutdowns

Question 5

What are co-morbidities of autism?

Answer 5

GI disorders - abdo pain, colitis, diarrhoea, GORD, IBS
Metabolic disorders - mitochondrial/folate
Epilepsy
Anxiety
Depression
Sleep disorders

Question 6

How does autism in infancy (6-12mths) present?

Answer 6

Little to no eye contact
Rarely smiling/vocalising
Not reacting to their name
Lack of interest in games

Question 7

How does autism in toddlers (12-36mths) present?

Answer 7

Limited/no speech
Toe walking
Difficulty following instructions
Intense interest in an unusual object
Unwillingness to share/play with others
Repetitive behaviours
Regression

Question 8

How does autism in pre-schoolers (3-5 years) present?

Answer 8

Does not partake in pretend play
Avoids physical contact
Makes no/inappropriate facial expressions
Cannot be easily soothed/comforted
Repetitive motions
Limited speech

Question 9

How does autism in teenages (5-18years) present?

Answer 9

Not understanding what others are thinking/feeling
Difficulty reading other’s body language/cues
Struggling to take turns in conversation
Strict daily routine
Special interest
Difficulty making friends
Rarely gestures
Sensory sensitivities e.g. to noise

Question 10

How is autism diagnosed?

Answer 10

Ask parents/ carers concerns
Home life/education/social care
Developmental history
Medical history and examination
Consider differentials
Further assessments -speech, motor, physical

Question 11

What is the management of autism?

Answer 11

Awareness of diagnosis for teachers
Adjustments at school
Psychosocial interventions by teachers, parents, carers
Anticipate changes that will worsen behaviour - develop care plan
Pharmacological interventions - antipsychotic etc