Autism

Question 1

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Answer 1

ASD is a developmental disability, not a psychiatric disorder, characterized by challenges in social communication, restricted/repetitive behaviors, and sensory processing differences⁠

Question 2

What are the main theoretical approaches to understanding ASD?

Answer 2

1. Theory of Mind - difficulty understanding others’ perspectives
2. Central Coherence - focus on details over big picture
3. Executive Function Deficits - issues with planning and flexibility
4. Social Brain Hypothesis - different development of social cognition regions
5. Hyper-Stimulation Theory - overwhelming sensory input⁠
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Question 3

What are the main categories of DSM-5 criteria for ASD?

Answer 3

1. Persistent deficits in social communication/interaction
2. Restricted, repetitive behaviors (need at least two)
3. Symptoms present in early childhood
4. Symptoms must impair daily functioning⁠

Question 4

How does ASD present differently in females?

Answer 4

Higher masking behaviors
More prosocial and planned social interactions
Higher levels of anxiety and eating disorders
More likely to have ‘low energy/weak’ sensory profiles

Question 5

What are common coexisting conditions with ASD?

Answer 5

Anxiety (42% females, 35% males)
OCD
Personality disorders
Eating disorders (9% females)⁠

Question 6

What are the main diagnostic tools for ASD?

Answer 6

Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO)
3Di Structured Interview⁠

Question 7

What are the accuracy rates of main screening tools?

Answer 7

Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ): Sensitivity 78.7%, Specificity 77.3%
Empathy Quotient (EQ): Sensitivity 89.2%, Specificity 45.5%
Systemizing Quotient (SQ): Sensitivity 74.6%, Specificity 58.8%⁠