Autism Spectrum Disorder

Question 1

what conditions do ASD encompass?

Answer 1

Asperger's syndrome
Rett's syndrome
childhood autism
pervasive developmental disorder
NOS

Question 2

who is ASD more common in?

Answer 2

boys

Question 3

causes of ASD

Answer 3

genetics
teratogens
perinatal complications
syndromes e.g. tuberous sclerosis, fragile X

Question 4

presentation of ASD

Answer 4

triad of social communication, interaction, imagination and repetitive behaviours
symptoms present from early development
pervasive
impairing functioning

Question 5

communication symptoms of autism

Answer 5

understanding sarcasm
narrow interests
difficulty sharing feelings

Question 6

interaction symptoms of autism

Answer 6

non-verbal cues

struggle to sustain relationships

Question 7

imagination symptoms of autism

Answer 7

takes things literally

difficulty thinking flexibly

Question 8

changes in brain structure in ASD

Answer 8

large amygdala
changes to frontal lobe and cerebellum
glutamate, GABA and 5-HT implicated

Question 9

diagnosis of ASD

Answer 9

child study= don’t babble, lack of interest in other children, tend to play alone, sensory difficulties
questionnaires

Question 10

sensory difficulties in ASD

Answer 10

restricted diet
clothing
difficulty concentrating
pain
clumsy

Question 11

management of ASD

Answer 11

education and social interventions

risperidone for severe aggression/ self injury