Autism spectrum disorder

Question 1

For ASD what is the prevalence? is there a gender imbalance?

Answer 1

• 1 in 68, increasing prevalence

- boys>girls

Question 2

What is the triad of ASD?

Answer 2

1: qualitative impairments in reciprocal social interaction
2: Language impairments and difficulties
3: thought and behavior problems

Question 3

Describe what may be involved in the ‘qualitative impairments in reciprocal social interaction’ area of ASD? (4)

Answer 3

• relationships difficult to establish
• not motivated by need for social approval
• no interest in the needs of others
• little awareness of feelings of others

Question 4

What kind of language impairments and deficits may be involved in ASD? (7)

Answer 4

• may have no speech
• may have difficulty using pronouns
• difficulties with similes/metaphors
• stress/pitch/rhythm/intonation/echolalia
• difficulty in interpreting non-verbal communication
• peculiar stiff eye-gaze/no eye contact
• unresponsive to non-verbal feedback

Question 5

What kind of thought and behavior problems may occur in ASD? (5)

Answer 5

• restricted/repetitive/stereotyped patterns of behavior/interests/activities
• resistance to change
• lack imagination/theory of mind
• concrete/inflexible thinking
• ritualistic behavior/stereotypies

Question 6

What other traits could be involved in patients with ASD? (1)

Answer 6

sensory differences:

• sound
• tactile: pain/temp.
• taste/temp food
• visual
• smell

Question 7

What comorbidities can occur with ASD?

Answer 7

• Learning disability
• depression
• social anxiety
• OCD
• ADHD
• Dyspraxia

Question 8

Why is early diagnosis key in ASD? (4)

Answer 8

• identify needs earlier
• more appropriate treatment for child
• better educational planning
• decrease family stress

Question 9

What is used to make an ASD diagnosis?

Answer 9

-no biological markers
-screening tools/semi-structured interviews/standardised assessment tools
(multiagency involvement/clinical judgement required)

Question 10

What is the diagnostic criteria for ASD? how many symptoms have to be exhibited? how many in each area of triad?

Answer 10

autism = exhibiting at least 6 symptoms
-at least 2 of qualitative impairment in social interaction
-at least 1 of qualitative impairment in communication
-at least 1 of restricted and repetitive behavior
early onset/longstanding

Question 11

Describe the non-pharmacological management of ASD: what is the aim? Where is this based? Who can help with this?

Answer 11

• aim to lessen assoc. deficits and family distress and increase QOL and functional independance
• family/school based
• applied behavior analyst, SLT, social skills training

Question 12

Describe the pharmacological treatment for ASD? does any medication treat the core symptoms of autism?

Answer 12

No medication intervention that treats core sx

• risperidone: short term for significant aggression/tantrums/self injury
• methylphenadate: ADHD symptoms
• melatonin: may be considered for difficult sleep problems (endogenous hormone secreted by pineal gland)