Autism Spectrum Disorder Flashcards
Name five disorders that come under the umbrella term ‘autism’
- Asperge’s syndrome
- Rett’s syndrome
- Childhood autism
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS
What are the common features of autism umbrella disorders?
Difficulties in social interaction and communication
What are the four core features of autism?
Social communication
Social interaction
Social imagination
Repetitive behaviours
Describe social communication in people with autism
Good language skills but find it hard to grasp the underlying meaning of conversation. Difficulty understanding jokes/metaphors/sarcasm. Voices often sound monotonous and language can be pedantic and idiosyncratic - narrow interests dominate conversation
Describe social interaction in people with autism
Difficulties picking up non-verbal cues, hard to understand another persons point of view. Struggle to make and sustain relationships
Describe social imagination in people with autism
Difficulties with abstract/flexible thinking, take things literally and have difficulties applying knowledge/skills across settings. Find it hard to project themselves into the future.
Describe repetitive behaviours of people with autism
Stereotype/repetitive motor movements, use of objects or speech Insistence on sameness inflexible adherence to routines or ritualised patterns of verbal or non-verbal behaviour. Highly restricted fixated interests of abnormal intensity of focus. Unusual sensory aspects.
What is the prevalence of autism?
1-2%
What environmental factors can cause autism?
Teratogens - usually in first 8 weeks of pregnancy
What biological factors can cause autism?
Foetal distress, birth injury/trauma, umbilical cord complications, meconium aspiration
What percentage of autism is heritable?
35-90%
State the risk factors for autism
Rubella in pregnancy Tuberous sclerosis Fragile X syndrome Encephalitis Untreated PKI
What type of chromosome changes occur in autism?
Deletion, duplication, insertion
What parts of the brain appear to change in autism?
Frontal lobe, amygdala, cerebellum
Which neurotransmitters are involved in autism?
Glutamate receptors - excitatory neurotransmitter
GABA - early development, cell migration/differentiation
Serotonin - regulation of neuronal development
What are the key diagnostic features for diagnosis in children?
- speech and language difficulties
- lack of awareness/interest in others
- struggle with friendships (play alone)
- gravitate to younger and older children
- repetitive movements
What are the key diagnostic features for diagnosis in adults?
Communication (eye contact, others perspective, social difficulties, repeat phrases, problems with conversation)
Social (shy, few relationships, rude/blunt, take things literally)
Rituals, obsessive interests, clumsy, unusual movements and sensory issues
State three essential criteria for diagnosis of autism
- present at early developmental period
- clinically significant social/occupation impairment
- not explained by another problem
What mental disorders are people with autism more likely to have?
Depression and anxiety (40-60%) Eating disorders 20% Tourettes 7% OCD 30% ADHD 65% Dyspraxia/sensory processing disorder 17% Dyslexia 70% Language impairment 76%
What percentage of autistic children have an IQ<70?
70%
Which medical diseases are people with autism more likely to have?
Fragile X
Tuberous sclerosis
Seizure disorders
Visual/auditory impairment
What are the non-pharmacological treatment options for autism?
Lessen deficits, family distress and increase quality of life/functional independence
- self and family psychoeducation
- SALT
- family and social support
- diet
What treatment can be used short term to manage severe aggression and self harm?
Risperidone
What medication can help with chronic insomnia?
Melatonin
