Autism - Presentation Flashcards
What is ASD?
Autism is a Spectrum Disorder that has varying ranges of symptoms and intensities
What are Genetic Factors contributing to ASD?
- Mutations or Alterations of genes
- family history is a good indication of risk factor
What are Non-Genetic Factors contributing to ASD?
- prenatal conditions
- exposure to toxins influencing development & toxins may include; pesticides, heavy metals, phthalate (in plastic production) & air pollution
What are some Environmental/Maternal Factors contributing to ASD?
Maternal infections, advanced parental age, & birth complication
How does Brain development influence the onset of Autism?
- abnormalities with brain structure (specifically social communication & behaviour)
How many American children have ASD diagnosis?
1 in 36 US children have ASD
Is an ASD diagnosis more likely to occur in boys or girls?
Nearly 3x more common in boys than girls
When do you typically receive an ASD diagnosis?
Typically diagnosed at 4-5yrs but as early as 2 years old
What are some additional conditions one with ASD may experience?
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, epilepsy, sleep disorders, & GI issues
What are the 3 levels os ASD?
Level 1 = mild “high-functioning”
Level 2 = moderate
Level 3 = severe “low-functioning”
What are some of the symptoms of Level 1 Autism?
- requires minimal support
- often verbal & minimal communicative barriers
- may struggle with interactions & transitions
- can manage daily life without assistance
What are some of the symptoms of Level 2 Autism?
- substantial support needed & may need support for ADL’s
- more significant challenges with social & communication skills
- repetitive behaviours
What are some of the symptoms of Level 3 Autism?
- very substantial support required
- may have limited verbal communication (possibly non-verbal)
- engage in challenging behaviours that do require intensive assistance for a better QoL
What are some Physical features of ASD?
- unusual gait/posture & facial expressions
- tics & repetitive movements
- sensory processing issues (hypersensitivity)
- motor control patterns = difficult
What are some Physical Facial features of ASD?
- large forehead
- wide-set eyes
- thin upper lip
- wide nose
- short philtrum
What are the causes of the Physical & facial features of someone with ASD?
- underlying neurological differences
- larger section of brain in certain regions may cause the larger forehead
- wide-set eyes may be result of different processing of visual cues
What are some Social features of ASD?
- non-verbal
- isolation of facial features
- misunderstanding in social situations
- may not smile (dont understand meaning behind it or feel comfortable smiling)
What are some Signs & Symptoms (with ages) of social features in one with ASD?
- no eye-contact maintained
- doesn’t respond to name by 9mths old
- doesn’t engage in interactive games by 12mths
- doesn’t share interests with others by 15mths
- doesn’t point to interesting things by 18mths
- doesn’t demonstrate empathy by 2yrs
- doesn’t engage in social interactions by 3yrs
- doesn’t show imagination by 4yrs
- doesn’t sing, dance, or act by 5yrs
What are some Emotional features of ASD?
- upset with change & requires routine
- obsessive & impulsive tendencies
- unusual sleeping & eating habits
- unusual emotional reactions
- anxiety, stress, & excessive worrying
What are some Cognitive features of ASD?
- can have cognitive strengths or challenges
- slowed execution of functional skills ~ may cause challenges with problem solving
- may hyper-fixate on things & miss bigger pictures
- troubles understanding peers
What is “Theory of Mind”
The ability to comprehend that others do not have identical thoughts or feelings
- those with ASD may lack this ability
What are some Financial barriers faced by one with ASD?
- Therapy: various forms ($50-200+)
- specialized education & increased support
- Employment: limited opportunities due to social implications
What are some Social barriers faced by one with ASD?
- trouble starting or maintaining friendships
- difficulties with group work
- misunderstanding of social norms & practices
What are some Interpersonal barriers faced by one with ASD?
Difficulties understanding figurative language & sarcasm
- hard to take turns & share attention in convos
What are some Intrapersonal barriers faced by one with ASD?
- difficulty processing emotions & regulating them
- troubles comprehending personal identity & social roles
What are some Structural barriers faced by one with ASD?
- lack of inclusivity in work & schools
- social hierarchies
- lack of adequate public transportation
What are some Sociocultural barriers faced by one with ASD?
- stigma
- cultural differences in social cues & emotional expression
- pressure to conform
What are the 7 Key Management Strategies for someone with Autism/ASD?
1.) Behavioural
2.) Developmental
3.) Educational
4.) Socio-Relational
5.) Pharmacological
6.) Psychological
7.) Complimentary/Alternative
When discussing Management Strategies for Autism/ASD, What is Behavioural Management?
Applied Behavioural Analysis used to encourage/discourage certain behaviours & is used widely across schools & clinics
- inc;dues; Discrete trial training & pivotal response training
When discussing Management Strategies for Autism/ASD, What are some Developmental Management Strategies?
Used to help develop specific developmental skills through intentional peer interactions via language, motor, & social activities
What are 2 examples of Developmental management strategies used for someone with ASD?
Most common eg = Speech & Language therapy
- also occupational therapy such as sensory integration therapy & physical therapy
When discussing Management Strategies for Autism/ASD, What are some Educational Approaches?
Applied in the classroom with heavy overlap from other approaches
- Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communications Handicapped Children (TEACHH) Approach is used
- IEP’s are followed
What does the “Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communications Handicapped Children (TEACHH) Approach” focus on?
Emphasis on consistency & visual learning
When discussing Management Strategies for Autism/ASD, What are some Social-Relational Approaches?
Works on improving social skills & emotional bonds by;
- using development, individual differences, relationship-based model (DIR)
- using social stories & social skills groups
- & reframing how one thinks/feels about certain situations
When discussing Management Strategies for Autism/ASD, What are some Pharmacological Management Strategies ?
Meds are used as a complimentary intervention & to help with day-to-day life (eg; focussing, sleeping, anxiety, etc)
- no meds treat the core symptoms of ASD, just help improve side symptoms
When discussing Management Strategies for Autism/ASD, What are some Complementary & Alternative Treatments?
Other approaches that did not fit into the above categories & include things such as;
- art therapy
- dieting
- Physical Activity
- animal therapy
-etc
How could you adjust an activity for someone with ASD using the STEP Framework?
S = adjust colour, sound, & personal space
T = simplify the activities (avoid overstimulating)
E = tactile surfaces & visual supports
P = reduce # of participants
