Autism

Question 1

What groups are more likely to have autism spectrum disorders? (ASD)

Answer 1

More often men
Highly heritable too
From families where parents are mathematicians, computer techs..

Question 2

What causes ASD?

Answer 2

Its a dysfunction in certain neurotransmitters e.g. GABA & Glutaminergic proteins

Question 3

What are the major features of ASD?

Answer 3

Social problems e.g. with reciprocal conversations, expressing concern and non-verbal communication

Repetitive behaviours I.e. rigid routines, odd mannerisms and obessions/preoccupations with odd interests

All the features can be boiled down to 3 areas, impaired imagination, impaired reciprocal social interaction and poor range of activities

Question 4

What mental health problems are associated with ASD?

Answer 4

LD
Sleep/eating issues
Hyperactivity
Anxiety/depression
OCD
Self-injury & suicidal behaviour
Aggressive behaviour
School avoidance

Question 5

How do we manage autism?

Answer 5

Recognize and educate on their disability
Parental training/education
Behavioural interventions e.g. social skills training, speech therapy etc
Decrease demands/stresses (can include special schooling)

Some drugs to target specific symptoms e.g. risperidone for aggression or SSRIs for repetitive behaviours

Question 6

Give some examples of behaviours that could be part of Impaired Reciprocal Social Interaction?

Answer 6

Unaware of feelings of others e.g. oblivious to others distress, privacy etc
Abnormal responses to pain e.g. doesn’t go crying to mom
Poor imitation (doesn’t wave bye or may copy behaviours without understanding e.g. waving when going through doors)
Solo play
Bad at making friends

Question 7

What behaviours suggest a lack of imagination

Answer 7

Little babbling, gestures & expressions in infancy
Avoids gaze, doesn’t greet or acknowledge others
Doesn’t do pretend play or stories
Odd speech
Can’t initiate/sustain reciprocal conversation

Question 8

What behaviours would fall under a poor range of activities?

Answer 8

Stereotyped movements e.g. headbanging
Preoccupation with an object e.g. spinning wheels on a toy car or attachment to unusual objects e.g. coal
Marked distress over trivial changes
Insists on precise routines
Narrow fixations e.g. mass of facts about clouds