AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) Flashcards

1
Q

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

A

ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder affecting how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. It is described as a developmental disorder because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.

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2
Q

What are the two main behavioral branches in DSM-5 criteria for ASD?

A
  1. Social communication and interaction difficulties.
  2. Restrictive and repetitive behaviors.
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3
Q

What are some common social communication behaviors in ASD?

A

Examples include poor eye contact, difficulty with back-and-forth conversation, not responding to one’s name, or talking at length about a favorite subject without noticing others’ interest.

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4
Q

What are examples of restrictive/repetitive behaviors in ASD?

A

These include echolalia (repeating words/phrases), intense focus on specific topics, distress with routine changes, and sensitivity to sensory inputs like light, sound, or touch.

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5
Q

Is autism a disease?

A

No, autism is not a disease. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder with no cure but can be managed through therapy and intervention.

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6
Q

Do vaccines cause autism?

A

No, vaccines, including the MMR vaccine, do not cause autism. Extensive research and reviews have disproved this claim.

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7
Q

Can autistic individuals feel emotions?

A

Yes, autistic individuals are capable of feeling all emotions. They may have difficulty expressing or interpreting emotions, leading to misconceptions.

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8
Q

Do all autistic individuals have an intellectual disability or inability to speak?

A

No, autism is not an intellectual disability. Some autistic individuals may have intellectual disabilities, while others have average or high IQs. Verbal abilities also vary widely.

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9
Q

Can one ‘grow out’ of autism?

A

No, autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. Early diagnosis and intervention can help individuals manage symptoms.

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10
Q

Does bad parenting cause autism?

A

No, bad parenting does not cause autism. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, not a reflection of parenting quality.

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11
Q

Are autistic individuals more violent?

A

No, research indicates that violence is no more prevalent among autistic individuals than the general population.

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12
Q

Is autism a mental health problem?

A

No, autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. However, individuals with autism may experience mental health challenges like anxiety or depression.

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13
Q

Is autism becoming an epidemic?

A

No, the increase in autism diagnoses reflects improved awareness, diagnostic capabilities, and understanding rather than an epidemic.

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14
Q

What is the current prevalence of ASD?

A

In 2020, 1 in 36 children aged 8 years was estimated to have ASD. Autism prevalence has increased 178% since 2000.

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15
Q

What are common signs of social interaction difficulties in ASD?

A

Examples include lack of eye contact, difficulty in responding to names, poor conversational reciprocity, and preference for solitary play.

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16
Q

What are some causes of ASD?

A

Causes include environmental factors (e.g., chemical pollutants, viral infections), genetic predisposition, older parental age, nutrient deficiencies, and stressful family environments.

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17
Q

What are risk factors for developing ASD?

A

Risk factors include having a sibling with ASD, older or younger parents, very low birth weight, and certain genetic conditions like Fragile X syndrome.

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18
Q

How does ASD affect expressive language abilities?

A

Expressive language abilities in ASD vary widely, from being non-verbal to having fluent speech.

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19
Q

How does early diagnosis affect ASD outcomes?

A

Early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes by helping individuals develop communication, social, and behavioral skills.

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20
Q

What are environmental factors linked to ASD?

A

Factors include chemical pollutants, heavy metal toxicity, very high-risk pregnancies, and certain infections affecting brain development.

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21
Q

How does parental age affect ASD risk?

A

Older or very young parents are at increased risk of having children with ASD due to potential genetic abnormalities or complications.

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22
Q

What percentage of individuals with ASD are boys?

A

Approximately four times as many boys as girls have autism.

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23
Q

Which country has the highest prevalence of autism?

A

Qatar has the highest rate of autism.

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24
Q

Which country has the lowest prevalence of autism?

A

France has the lowest rate of autism.

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25
Q

At what age can ASD be diagnosed?

A

Symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life, but ASD can be diagnosed as early as six months.

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26
Q

What are common symptoms affecting daily life in individuals with ASD?

A

Symptoms include difficulty with communication, restrictive/repetitive behaviors, and challenges functioning in school, work, and other areas of life.

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27
Q

Why is autism called a spectrum?

A

It encompasses a wide range of behavioral problems, from severe impairment to high-functioning conditions like Asperger syndrome.

28
Q

What are the benefits of early intervention for ASD?

A

Early intervention improves communication, social skills, and daily functioning, leading to better long-term outcomes.

29
Q

What are some sensory sensitivities in ASD?

A

Individuals with ASD may be overly sensitive to light, sound, touch, temperature, or clothing.

30
Q

What manual provides diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

A

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition).

31
Q

What are the two main criteria for diagnosing ASD according to DSM-5?

A

Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive behaviors.

32
Q

What are the three areas of social communication deficits in ASD per DSM-5?

A
  1. Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity. 2. Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors for social interaction. 3. Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships.
33
Q

What type of behaviors are associated with ASD under restricted and repetitive patterns?

A
  1. Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech. 2. Insistence on sameness and inflexible adherence to routines. 3. Highly restricted, fixated interests. 4. Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input.
34
Q

When must ASD symptoms be present for a diagnosis?

A

Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period.

35
Q

What distinguishes ASD from intellectual disability in terms of diagnosis?

A

Social communication must be below the expected level for general developmental ability for a dual diagnosis of ASD and intellectual disability.

36
Q

What are the three severity levels for ASD?

A

Level 1: Requires support, Level 2: Requires substantial support, Level 3: Requires very substantial support.

37
Q

What social communication deficits characterize ASD Level 1?

A

Difficulty initiating social interactions and decreased interest in social interactions, despite being able to speak in full sentences.

38
Q

What behaviors define ASD Level 1 restricted, repetitive behaviors?

A

Inflexibility of behavior that causes significant interference with functioning and difficulty switching between activities.

39
Q

What social communication deficits characterize ASD Level 2?

A

Marked deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication, limited initiation of social interactions, and abnormal responses to social overtures.

40
Q

What defines restricted, repetitive behaviors at ASD Level 2?

A

Inflexibility, difficulty coping with change, and behaviors that interfere with functioning across contexts.

41
Q

What social communication deficits characterize ASD Level 3?

A

Severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication, minimal response to social overtures, and very limited initiation of interactions.

42
Q

What defines restricted, repetitive behaviors at ASD Level 3?

A

Extreme difficulty coping with change and behaviors that markedly interfere with functioning in all areas.

43
Q

What level of ASD requires 24/7 care?

A

Level 3, as patients may lack awareness of potential dangers and require one-on-one specialized education.

44
Q

What distinguishes children with ASD Level 1 from Level 2?

A

Level 1 children can attend regular schooling and have better communication skills, while Level 2 children have poor language and limited social interactions.

45
Q

What distinguishes children with ASD Level 2 from Level 3?

A

Level 2 children have restricted/repetitive behaviors and require substantial support, while Level 3 children have severe communication deficits and require very substantial support.

46
Q

What are the two stages in diagnosing autism in young children?

A

Stage 1: General Developmental Screening during well-child checkups. Stage 2: Additional Diagnostic Evaluation.

47
Q

When does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend developmental delay screenings for children?

A

At 9-, 18-, and 24- or 30-month well-child visits, with specific autism screenings at 18- and 24-month visits.

48
Q

What factors warrant additional ASD screenings for a child?

A

Being at high risk for ASD or other developmental problems.

49
Q

What evaluations are included in the Additional Diagnostic Evaluation for autism?

A

Medical and neurological exams, cognitive abilities, speech and language assessment, behavior observation, caregiver interviews, and assessment of daily living skills.

50
Q

What are the treatment options available for ASD?

A

Behavior programs, education and learning programs, medications, and other therapies.

51
Q

What are the types of behavioral programs for ASD?

A

Early intensive behavioral intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, and social skills training.

52
Q

What is a disadvantage of behavioral programs for ASD?

A

Behavior tends to return if the programs are discontinued.

53
Q

What are the goals of behavioral programs for ASD?

A

Address social skills, attention, sleep, play, anxiety, parent interaction, and challenging behaviors.

54
Q

What is the recommended duration for behavioral programs for ASD?

A

Up to 25 hours per week, lasting 12 weeks to 3 years, or as long as the child needs it.

55
Q

What role does the multidisciplinary model play in ASD treatment?

A

It involves collaboration among the family, medical community, and school system to provide holistic care.

56
Q

What types of schools can help individuals with ASD maximize their potential?

A

Specialized schools for high-functioning individuals capable of attending college and working.

57
Q

What are the main barriers to accessing specialized schools for individuals with ASD?

A

High associated expenses make these schools unaffordable for many families.

58
Q

How does social interaction in patients with autism change with age?

A

Social interaction often improves with therapy, as seen through increased eye contact and other behaviors.

59
Q

What happens to children with ASD who do not receive therapy or consultations?

A

They may develop more challenging behaviors, which can worsen over time without proper treatment or medication.

60
Q

What comorbid conditions are common in individuals with autism?

A

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorders, ADHD, and aggression.

61
Q

What percentage of children with autism also have ADHD?

A

Nearly 40%.

62
Q

What is the role of medications in ASD treatment?

A

They address behavioral issues and sleep problems.

63
Q

What is the importance of recognizing a patient’s potential in ASD treatment?

A

It helps place them in schools or programs where they can fully maximize their abilities.

64
Q

Who are potential providers on a treatment team for children with ASD?

A

A multidisciplinary team involving the family, medical professionals, and the school system.

65
Q

What happens to untreated aggressive behaviors in individuals with ASD?

A

They may escalate, potentially requiring antipsychotic medications.