Autism and ADHD

Question 1

Clinical features of ASD

Answer 1

Social/communication deficits

Repetitive, restrictive behaviors

Question 2

Deficits in social communication in ASD

Answer 2

Limited reciprocity
Deficits in nonverbal communication
Deficits in developing and maintaining relationships

All 3 required

Question 3

Restricted and repetitive behavior in ASD

Answer 3

2 of 4 required: 
Stereotyped speech, motor movements, use of objects
Routines and resistance to change
Fixated Interest
Abnormal response to sensory input

Question 4

Does early intervention help kids with autism?

Answer 4

yes! Intervention by age 3 improves outcome

Question 5

Is autism more common in boys or girls?

Answer 5

Boys

Question 6

Cause of autism?

Answer 6

Genetic and environmental factors influence the intrauterine and postnatal brain to alter neurodevelopment

Question 7

How much of autism is traced to DNA changes in genes?

Answer 7

60-90%

Question 8

SNPs vs CNVs

Answer 8

SNPs acting together can increase risk for ASD

CNVs alone may be considered causative

Question 9

Phelan-McDermid Syndrome

Answer 9

Global developmental delay, intellectual disability, absent or delayed speech, hypotonia, dysmorphic features

Question 10

Phelan-McDermid Syndrome target?

Answer 10

SHANK3 scaffolding protein– with IGF1

Question 11

ADHD

Answer 11

Inattention

Hyperactivity/impulsivity

Question 12

Diagnosis of ADHD

Answer 12

Greater than 6 months of inattention symptoms, or greater than 6 months of hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms

Question 13

Is ADHD more common in boys or girls?

Answer 13

Boys about 3:1

Question 14

Etiology of ADHD

Answer 14

Problems with PFC, posterior parietal cortex, NE and DA systems

Question 15

PFC volume in ADHD

Answer 15

Smaller

Question 16

Caudate vs cerebellar volume changes by mid adolescence

Answer 16

Caudate normalizes, Cerebellar volume decreases and persists

Question 17

Methylphenidate

Answer 17

Blocks reuptake

Question 18

AMPH

Answer 18

Blocks uptake into vesicle and causes transporter reverse.

Question 19

Atomoxetine

Answer 19

Blocks NE reuptake transporter resulting in increased NE in synapse.

Question 20

Guanfacine and clonidine

Answer 20

A2 agonists