Autism Spectrum Disorder

Question 1

ASD definition:

Answer 1

Neurobiological disorders characterized by a spectrum of symptoms involving impairment in social interaction, communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors and interests.

Question 2

ASD usually manifests at what age?

Answer 2

Within the first 3 years of life.

Question 3

ASD diagnosis requires a total of 6 behavioral manifestations from 3 categories:

Answer 3

Qualitative impairment in social interaction:
Poor eye contact
Lack of shared enjoyment in activities
Qualitative impairment in communication:
Delayed or deviant language development
Lack of interest in toys appropriate for age
Restrictive repetitive and stereotypic patterns of behavior:
Repetitive rituals or motor movements such as spinning or hand flapping

Question 4

ASD differentials:

Answer 4

Mental retardation
Sensory impairment (hearing or vision)
Severe abuse or neglect
Rett's disorder
Childhood psychosis
Gifted child
Tourette's syndrome
Fragile X
Childhood disintegrative disorder

Question 5

Targeted developmental screenings are done at what ages?

Answer 5

9 months
18 months
30 months

Question 6

Autism specific screenings are done at what ages?

Answer 6

18 months

24 months