Autism spectrum disorder

Question 1

Definition/diagnosis

Answer 1

1. Deficits in social communication and social interaction
   - >Deficits in social-emotional recipricocity->conversation, shared interests, emotions and affect, social interactions
   - >Deficits in non-verbal communication
   - >Difficulty managing, developing and maintaining relationships
2. Restrictive, repetitive patterns of behaviour and activities, 2 of:
   - >Stereotyped, repetitive motor movement
   - >Insistence on sameness, routine
   - >Highly restricted, fixated interests
   - >Hyper/hyporeactivity to sensory input or unusaly interest in sensory aspect of environment
3. Symptoms present in early development
4. Clinically significant impairment
5. Not due to intellectual disability or global developmental delay

May have associated language, neuro-cognitive impairment

Question 2

Risk factors

Answer 2

Family history

Male

Question 3

Conditions within spectrum

Answer 3

Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDDNOS)

Question 4

Associated problems

Answer 4

Repetitive movements (such as flapping of their hands).
Being more or less sensitive than normal to smells, sounds, sights or touch.
Restricted eating patterns.
Sleeping problems.
Anxiety.
Behaviour problems.
Emotional difficulties.
Learning difficulties.
Attention difficulties.
Difficulties with planning and organising.

Question 5

Three assessments reqired by which specialists

Answer 5

Pediatrician
Speech pathologist
Psychologist

Question 6

Screening tool

Answer 6

Modified checklist for autism in toddlers

Question 7

Principles of management

Answer 7

1. Speech therapy
2. Medication may be appropriate in some cases
3. Behavioural skills
4. Social skills training
5. OT input
6. Environment->structure
7. Special education
8. Early intervention

Question 8

Three key areas of impairment

Answer 8

1. Social interaction
2. Language
3. Imaginative play

Question 9

Features of asperger’s

Answer 9

1. Obsessional
2. Poor social interaction
3. Lack common sense
4. Learning difficulties
5. Clumsiness, poor coordination

Can have low, normal or high intelligence
Associated with high level language development

Question 10

Associated conditions with aspergers

Answer 10

Epilepsy
Anxiety
Depression

Question 11

Principles of management in aspergers

Answer 11

As for ASD->adjusted for level of need

Question 12

Important online resources

Answer 12

Ages and stages questionairre
Is my child normal->development red flags
ASPECT