Autism Spectrum Disorder Flashcards
what is ASD
complex developmental condition
what does ASD involve
challenges with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior
autism is a…
lifelong disorder
that has high variability in individual presentation
etiology
unknown cause
suspected genetic and environmental risk factors are associated with the dx
unrelated risk factors
vaccination
maternal smoking
assisted reproductive technologies
related risk factors
advanced parental age
birth complications
maternal obesity & diabetes
c-section
birth complications –> related risk factors
associated w/ trauma/ischemia and hypoxia
etiology –> nutrition
deficiency of folic acid, omega 3 and vitamin D
incidence of ASD
1 in 68
who is more likely to be dx w/ ASD
boys 4x more likely
identical twins –> ASD
ASD in one child –> increase the chances of the other having it to 95% (from 36%)
siblings –> ASD
if one child has ASD, the other has a 31% risk of developing ASD
siblings of children with ASD
have a 25-50% increase risk of developing other developmental delays that warrant intervention
neurological abnormalities
brain underconnectivity
glial inflammation
altered fxn of mirror neurons
decrease in…
altered fxn of mirror neurons –>neurological abnormalities
involved in recognition/imitation of motor tasks
decrease in… –> neurological abnormalities
cortical thickness
white matter connectivity
neurochemical concentrations in the brain
of pukinje cells in the vermis and cerebellar hemispheres
when do symptoms emerge
prior to 3 years of age
w/in domains of social communication development and imaginative play
characteristics of ASD
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
qualitative social impairments in non-verbal behaviors –> characteristics
eye gaze
facial expressions
body postures
gestures during social interactions
verbal communication deficits
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
restricted repetitive and stereotyped behaviors
one or more stereotyped patterns of interest
inflexible adherence to routines and rituals
stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms
persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
social communication deficits
doesnt play interactive games
avoids eye contact
displays lack of empathy
prefers solitary or ritualistic play
doesnt imitate actions of others
what are the associated impairments
cognitive
sensory-perceptual impairments
sensory-perceptual impairments (1)–> associated impairments
sensory modulation disorders (over/under responsive)
tactile, visual, auditory, proprioceptive and vestibular
may find normal noises painful
sensory-perceptual impairments (2)–> associated impairments
hold hands over ears
withdraws from physical contact
rubs surfaces or licks objects
signs of sensory overload (1)
loss of balance/coordination
skin flushes/goes pale
verbalizing “Stop”
refuses activities
racing heartbeat
signs of sensory overload (2)
hysteria/crying
stomach distress, nausea, vomiting, cramps
sweating
anger/agitation
repeating
signs of sensory overload (3)
stimming
lashing out
