Autism, ID, LD, ADHD

Question 1

What are the criteria for autism spectrum disorder, per DSM-V?

Answer 1

1. Impairment in social communication and social interaction
   (all 3 must be present:
   a. impaired social-emotional reciprocity,
   b. impaired nonverbal communication, and
   c. failure to develop or maintain appropriate peer relationships).
2. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and interest (at least 2 must be present):
   a. repetitive behaviors or speech
   b. insistence on sameness
   c. unusual preoccupations or interests
   d. sensory interests

Question 2

How is intellectual disability defined?

Answer 2

IQ 70 or lower and deficits in adaptive functions for age and sociocultural background in at least 2 of the following areas: communication, self-care, home living, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self-direction, functional academic skills, work, leisure, health, and safety.

The onset of symptoms also needs to occur before 18 years old to qualify.

Should know that individuals with ID are more susceptible to meeting criteria for psychiatric disorders vs. individuals without ID.

Question 3

How is a specific learning disorder diagnosed?

Answer 3

1. Difficulties learning and using academic skills as indicated by the presence of at least one of the following symptoms that have persisted for at least 6 months -
   a. inaccurate or slow and effortful word reading
   b. difficulty understanding the meaning of what is read
   c. difficulties with spelling
   d. difficulties with written expression
   e. difficulties mastering number sense, number facts, or calculation
   f. difficulties with mathematical reasoning.
2. Affected academic skills are below expectations for the patient’s age and cause significant interference with academic or occupational functioning or with ADLs. For individuals aged 17 and older, a documented history of impaired learning problems may be substituted for standardized assessment.
3. Learning px began during school years but may not be fully manifest until demands for those skills exceed the individual’s limited capacities (e.g., timed tests).
4. Learning difficulties are not better accounted for by intellectual disabilities, sensory px, other mental/neurological px, psychosocial adversity, lack of proficiency in the language, or inadequate education.

Question 4

For ADHD diagnosis, per DSM-V, at what age should symptoms be present?

Answer 4

Symptoms should be present at or before age 12.

Question 5

What are risk factors for ADHD?

Answer 5

Prematurity, birth complications, maternal smoking, lead exposure/toxicity, neurofibromatosis, moderate to severe TBI.

Question 6

What is often comorbid with ADHD?

Answer 6

OCD, Tourette’s, dyslexia, ODD, CD, depression, anxiety