Autism Spectrum Disorder

Question 1

What contribution did Leo Kanner make to the knowledge of ASD?

Answer 1

Leo Kanner recognized that autism is different from schizophrenia. He stated that individuals with autism:

• never made social connections
• had unique language patterns (e.g. echolalia)
• showed no deterioration in functioning over time

Question 2

What contribution did Hans Asperger make to the knowledge of ASD?

Answer 2

Asperger realized that there were specific subsets/pathologies of autism (i.e. Asperger’s syndrome), which are characterized differently:

• average intelligence
• normal language
• obsessive preoccupation in narrow pursuits

Question 3

What are the 2 domains of ASD

Answer 3

1. social communication impairments

2. repetitive & restricted behaviours

Question 4

ASD is a __________ that ranges from _______ to _______.

Answer 4

ASD is a continuum that ranges from mild to severe.

Question 5

When do deficits of ASD begin?

Answer 5

Early childhood (even if not diagnosed until later)

Question 6

What type of disorder is ASD

Answer 6

A neurodevelopmental disorder

Question 7

***According to the lecture, what is the most recent prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder in the US as reported by the US CDCP?

Answer 7

1 in 68

Question 8

define communicative intent

Answer 8

lacking the desire to communicate for social purposes

Question 9

define joint attention

Answer 9

alerting each other to a stimulus via non-verbal means (e.g. gazing, pointing)

Question 10

define pragmatics

Answer 10

social uses of language

Question 11

define hidden curriculum

Answer 11

understanding the do’s and don’ts of everyday living

Question 12

explain repetitive/restricted behaviours

Answer 12

Sometimes displayed by people with ASD, these behaviours can be repetitive and ritualistic. They can include:

• staring
• rocking back and forth
• hitting oneself
• flapping hands/fingers

Question 13

explain unusual responses to stimuli/sensations

Answer 13

ASD can manifest as being hyper- or hypo-responsive to particular stimuli. The degree of sensitivity makes the response unusual

Question 14

define Autsim Savant Syndrome

Answer 14

an individual displays behaviours that are characteristic of ASD but also has remarkable skills or talents (e.g. math, are, musical)

Question 15

what are some of the conditions that co-occur with ASD

Answer 15

• migraines
• seizures
• respiratory infections
• gastro intestinal problems

Question 16

define Theory of Mind

Answer 16

taking the perspectives of other people into account; includes the ability to read social cues

Question 17

what is Central Coherence

Answer 17

the natural inclination to bring order and meaning to information by perceiving it as a whole

Question 18

***When Jim’s brother told him to “take a hike” in response to an annoying behaviour, Jim began to lace up his hiking boots. This illustrates Jim’s difficulties interpreting ______

Answer 18

Idioms