Autism

Question 1

What is the autism spectrum?

Answer 1

This from severe autism to high functioning Aspergers

Question 2

What is the autistic triad?

Answer 2

1. Impairment of social relationships
2. Impairment of social communication
3. Impairment of imagination

Question 3

What are the key impairments

Answer 3

• Stays in isolation
• doesnt understand social cues or the feelings of others
• doesnt like loud noises or self injures
• Echolalia - repeating words or phrases
• Not pointing - no protodeclaritive pointing
• Doesnt understand body language
• Uses people as tools (hands as tools)
• No eye contact
• Drawn to trivial things eg spinning wheels
• Lack of imaginitive play
• Shows repetitive behaviour

Question 4

At what age does moderate/sever autism present?

Answer 4

With developmental delay before 30 months

They don’t reach milestones or regress

REGRESSION OF MILESTONES

Question 5

What is high functioning/aspergers and at what age does it present?

Answer 5

IQ >70

Presents at school age

May have no developmental delay or may show peculiar interests (opera) or particular inteligence

Question 6

What is atypical autism?

Answer 6

May fit one or two of the triad

Question 7

How is it managed?

Answer 7

Education

Behavioural and psychological treatment

Melatonin for sleep disoders

SSRIs for anxiety

Risperidone for aggression

Question 8

What is a learning disability and what are some causes?

Answer 8

1. IQ<70
2. Below 18 (developmental age)
3. Impacts on daily function

Genetic - Downs, Fragile X

Infection - Meningitis, encephalitis, rubella

Trauma

Malnutrition