Autism Spectrum Disorder Flashcards
To meet diagnostic criteria for ASD according to DSM-5, a child must have persistent deficits in each of __________ areas of social communication and interaction plus at least ________ types of restrictive, repetitive behaviors
3
2
early onset ASD
developmental delays within the 1st years that persist and continue to present with further symptoms in 2nd year of life
late onset ASD
typical development initially and then rapid loss/regression of communication/motor skills (typically 2-3rd year)
what are 3 risk factors of ASD
1 - genetics
2 - prematurity
3 - certain prescription meds during pregnancy
what are 2 meds that increase the risk of ASD during pregnancy
thalidomide and valproic acids
T or F: we don’t exactly know what causes ASD
T
connectivity theory
- multisystem processing across brain regions is affected
- decreased short range and long range connections between cortical regions and between cortical/subcortical structures
what is an example of the connectivity theory
motor coordination/planning difficulties linked to abnormal connectivity between cerebellum, thalamus, and frontal lobe
complex information processing theory
simple cognitive processes are intact but there are deficits in complex cognitive processes requiring multiple neural systems
mirror neuron theory
- specific cortical regions involved in the mirror neuron system are dysfunctional
what is the mirror neuron system important for
imitation of others’ motor actions and social skills
what are some coexisting conditions with ASD
·Childhood anxiety
·Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
·Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
·Developmental coordination disorder (DCD)
·Depression
·Sleep disturbances
·Epilepsy
·Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction
·Immune dysfunction
T or F: autism diagnostic observation schedule scores have prognostic value
T: can show changes in symptoms over time
T or F: early intervention is beneficial for kids with ASD
T: children who received early diagnosis and intensive interventions did not meed ASD criteria later in life
can motor/adaptive interventions facilitate improved social communication performace
yes
what is a negative predictor of ASD prognosis
comorbidities or other medical diagnoses
what are some typical cognitive deficits with ASD
- attention/social skills
- language and communication
- executive function
what are some typical sensory/perceptual deficits with ASD
- sensory modulation disorders
- atypical visual and auditory perception
what are some typical motor deficits with ASD
- motor stereotypes
- motor delays
- gait/balance
- motor planning and praxis
- muscle strength
- endurance/physical activity levels
stereotype
repetitive or ritualistic movement, posture, or utterance
what are some responses to sensory stimuli you may see in a child with ASD
- refuse certain foods (textures, temps)
- refuse to go to certain places (sounds, people)
- attracted to repetitive stimuli (lights that blink)
- hand flapping, spinning, jumping
T or F: children with ASD have heightened awareness of some input and insensitivity to other input
T
why may children with ASD flap their hands, spine, and or jump
they are seeking out sensory stimuli they can control
what are some behaviors often seen in children with ASD
- like strict adherence to routine
- intense attachment to objects/topics
- self-stimulating behavior
- decreased attention span
- sleep disturbances
