Autism Spectrum Disorder

Question 1

Management strategies in Autism

Answer 1

• Identify and Prioritise needs of child/parents and school
• Offer realistic expectations of prognosis
• Prepare child to live independently with life skills
• Early intervention services
• Social skills for communication w Speech Pathologist
• Regular r/v

Question 2

What is ASD? How common?

Answer 2

1:1,000, boys 3:1 girls

Abnormalities in 3 domains (6 features minimum)

1) Social interaction
2) Communication
3) Restricted & Repetitive behaviors/interests/activities

Question 3

Abnormalities of Social interaction

Answer 3

• Impaired non-verbal behaviours (eye-contact, facial expression)
• Failure to develop peer relationships
• Lack of seeking to share interests/enjoyment
• lack of social/emotion reciprocity

Question 4

Abnormalities of Communication

Answer 4

• Speech delay
• stereotyped/repetitive/idiosyncratic use of language
• lack of imaginative play
• failure to imitate others

Question 5

Abnormalities of Restricted & Repetitive behaviours/interests/activities

Answer 5

• stereotyped or restricted patterns of interests with abnormal INTENSITY OR FOCUS
• rituals or routines that are inflexible
• motor mannerisms (hand flapping, body movements (rocking, etc.)

Question 6

DDx of organic causes of ASD

Answer 6

• Congenital Rubella Syndrome
• Fragile X Syndrome
• Neurofibromatosis
• Tuberous Sclerosis
• Phenylketonurea

Question 7

Assessment of ASD. By who and what aspects of the child are assessed?

Answer 7

Paediatrician/Psychologist/speech pathologist

• Psychologist-Cognitive level/IQ
• Physical exam and dental exam
• Hearing and vision assessment
• Speech and Language
• Genetic & metabolic screen

Question 8

Investigations for ASD

Answer 8

• Fe levels
• Vit D
• Microarray (Fragile X)
• TFTs

-Audiometry