Autism Spectrum Disorder

Question 1

what is ASD

Answer 1

complex developmental condition

Question 2

what does ASD involve

Answer 2

challenges with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior

Question 3

autism is a…

Answer 3

lifelong disorder

that has high variability in individual presentation

Question 4

etiology

Answer 4

unknown cause

suspected genetic and environmental risk factors are associated with the dx

Question 5

unrelated risk factors

Answer 5

vaccination

maternal smoking

assisted reproductive technologies

Question 6

related risk factors

Answer 6

advanced parental age

birth complications

maternal obesity & diabetes

c-section

Question 7

birth complications –> related risk factors

Answer 7

associated w/ trauma/ischemia and hypoxia

Question 8

etiology –> nutrition

Answer 8

deficiency of folic acid, omega 3 and vitamin D

Question 9

incidence of ASD

Answer 9

1 in 68

Question 10

who is more likely to be dx w/ ASD

Answer 10

boys 4x more likely

Question 11

identical twins –> ASD

Answer 11

ASD in one child –> increase the chances of the other having it to 95% (from 36%)

Question 12

siblings –> ASD

Answer 12

if one child has ASD, the other has a 31% risk of developing ASD

Question 13

siblings of children with ASD

Answer 13

have a 25-50% increase risk of developing other developmental delays that warrant intervention

Question 14

neurological abnormalities

Answer 14

brain underconnectivity

glial inflammation

altered fxn of mirror neurons

decrease in…

Question 15

altered fxn of mirror neurons –>neurological abnormalities

Answer 15

involved in recognition/imitation of motor tasks

Question 16

decrease in… –> neurological abnormalities

Answer 16

cortical thickness

white matter connectivity

neurochemical concentrations in the brain

of pukinje cells in the vermis and cerebellar hemispheres

Question 17

when do symptoms emerge

Answer 17

prior to 3 years of age

w/in domains of social communication development and imaginative play

Question 18

characteristics of ASD

Answer 18

qualitative social impairments in non-verbal behaviors

failure to develop peer relationships

lack of spontaneous sharing of interests and enjoyment

lack of emotional or social reciprocity

Question 19

qualitative social impairments in non-verbal behaviors –> characteristics

Answer 19

eye gaze

facial expressions

body postures

gestures during social interactions

Question 20

verbal communication deficits

Answer 20

delay or lack of spoken language

impaired ability to initiate or sustain a convo with others

use of repetitive or idiosyncratic language

lack of spontaneous, pretend play

Question 21

restricted repetitive and stereotyped behaviors

Answer 21

one or more stereotyped patterns of interest

inflexible adherence to routines and rituals

stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms

persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

Question 22

social communication deficits

Answer 22

doesnt play interactive games

avoids eye contact

displays lack of empathy

prefers solitary or ritualistic play

doesnt imitate actions of others

Question 23

what are the associated impairments

Answer 23

cognitive

sensory-perceptual impairments

Question 24

sensory-perceptual impairments (1)–> associated impairments

Answer 24

sensory modulation disorders (over/under responsive)

tactile, visual, auditory, proprioceptive and vestibular

may find normal noises painful

Question 25

sensory-perceptual impairments (2)–> associated impairments

Answer 25

hold hands over ears

withdraws from physical contact

rubs surfaces or licks objects

Question 26

signs of sensory overload (1)

Answer 26

loss of balance/coordination

skin flushes/goes pale

verbalizing “Stop”

refuses activities

racing heartbeat

Question 27

signs of sensory overload (2)

Answer 27

hysteria/crying

stomach distress, nausea, vomiting, cramps

sweating

anger/agitation

repeating

Question 28

signs of sensory overload (3)

Answer 28

stimming

lashing out