Autism spectrum disorder Flashcards
What is autism?
People affected by a deficit in social interaction, communication and flexible behaviour
Spectrum of autism
One end - average intellignece and bility to function in everyday life but difficulties with reading emotions and repsonding to others
Other - severely affected and unable to function in normal environments
When are features of autism often observable?
Before 3
Features of social interaction in autism
Lack of eye contact
Delay in smiling
Avoids physical contact
Unable to read non verbal cues
Diffuclty establishing friendships
Not displaying a desire to share attnetion
Features of communication in autism
Delays, absence or regression in language development
Lakc of appropriate non verbal communication such as smiling, eye contact, responding to others and sharing interest
Difficulty with imaginative or imitiative behaviour
Repetitive use of words or phrases
Features of behaviour in autism
Greater interest in objects, numbers or patterns than people
Stereotypucal repetitive movements
Self-stimulating movements that are used to comfort eg hand flapping, rocking
Intensive and deep interests that are persistent and rigid
Repetitive behaviour and fixed routines
Anxiety and distress with experiences outside their normal routine
Extremely restricted food preferences
Who can diagnose autism?
Paediatric psychiatrist or paediatrician iwth interest in development and behaviour
Detailed history and assessment of childs behaviour
People involved in management of autism
- Child psychology and child and adolescent psychiatry (CAMHS)
- Speech and language specialists
- Dietician
- Paediatrician
- Social workers
- Specially trained educators and special school environments
- Charities such as the national autistic society
