Autism

Question 1

What are the clinical features of autism according to DSM-V?

Answer 1

Symptoms in early developmental period:
- Persistent deficits in social interactions & communication across multiple contexts
- RRBs (need 2)
Total: 6 or more
*DSM IV: three categories of social interaction, social communication & RRBs
*Need to specify severity!

Question 2

What are the autism spectrum disorders?

Answer 2

Autism, Asperger’s, pervasive developmental delay disorder not otherwise specified

Question 3

How is pervasive developmental delay-NOS characterized?

Answer 3

Autism characteristics but not severe enough to meet autism criteria ( <6 symptoms)

Question 4

What are the severity levels for ASD?

Answer 4

Level 1: requires support
Level 2: requiring substantial support
Level 3: requiring very substantial support

Question 5

What are the possible specifiers for autism spectrum disorders?

Answer 5

With intellectual impairment
With language impairment
Associated w/ medical or genetic condition

Question 6

What are some brain abnormalities in autism?

Answer 6

• Accelerated brain growth in first years and then stabilizes
• Disorganized neuronal layers in cerebral cortex
• Reduced numbers of Purknje neurons in cerebellum
  … Others too, didn’t include all!

Question 7

Current neurobiological models for autism are based on which principles?

Answer 7

Autism involves

• Alterations in neuron connectivity
• Alterations in neuronal structure, synapses and neurotransmitter systems