Autism Spectrum Disorder

Question 1

What are some pervasive developmental disorders?

Answer 1

— Autism
– Asperger disorder
– Rhett syndrome
– Childhood disintegrative disorder
– PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not
Otherwise Specified)

Question 2

What are the changes from DSM-IV to DSM 5?

Answer 2

• The diagnostic category “pervasive developmental
  disorders” was omitted
• ‘symptoms’ are not actually consistent which is why it is spectrum
• New diagnostic category “Autism Spectrum Disorder”
• Rhett syndrome and CDD are separate from Autism

Question 3

What are the two symptom domains assessed in DSM 5?

Answer 3

• Social Communication Domain (separate domains in DSM-IV)

- Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities

Question 4

What does “A” criteria for autism spectrum disorder assess?

Answer 4

• persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts
• social-emotional, verbal, non-verbal, body language

Question 5

What does “B” criteria for autism spectrum disorder assess?

Answer 5

• restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities
• echolalia, inflexible adherence to routines, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus, hyper- or hyporeactivity.

Question 6

What does “C” criteria for autism spectrum disorder assess?

Answer 6

• symptoms must be present in the early developmental period, before age 3

Question 7

What does “D” criteria for autism spectrum disorder assess?

Answer 7

• symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning

Question 8

What does “E” criteria for autism spectrum disorder assess?

Answer 8

• disturbances are not better explained by intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder) or global developmental delay
• social communication should be below that expected for general developmental level

Question 9

What are some interventions for autism spectrum disorder?

Answer 9

• Behavioural therapy
• Speech therapy and/or AAC
• Communication strategies
• Medication (hyperactivity, anxiety, etc.)
• Social strategies
• Coping with sensory issues
• Routine

Question 10

How can we implement a successful team approach for treatment?

Answer 10

INVOLVE:
– Parents
– School/Day care – Medical
– Behavioral
– Speech & Language therapy
 – Child & Youth Services

Question 11

What are some considerations for physical activity for someone who has autism spectrum disorder?

Answer 11

• routine
• smooth transitions
• consistency/structure – consistent environment
• clear & simple instruction & language
• shorter duration programming – keeps attention
• visual, rather than auditory (typically don’t respond to touch)

Question 12

What are some benefits of recreation?

Answer 12

• Increased quality of life
• Increased social relationships & acceptance
• Increased physical well-being
• Increased skills for accessing the community

Question 13

What is ARC?

Answer 13

• non-profit organization in Regina, SK that serves adults with ASD
• 18-35 years old