AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) Flashcards
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
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.
What are the two main behavioral branches in DSM-5 criteria for ASD?
- Social communication and interaction difficulties.
- Restrictive and repetitive behaviors.
What are some common social communication behaviors in ASD?
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.
What are examples of restrictive/repetitive behaviors in ASD?
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.
Is autism a disease?
No, autism is not a disease. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder with no cure but can be managed through therapy and intervention.
Do vaccines cause autism?
No, vaccines, including the MMR vaccine, do not cause autism. Extensive research and reviews have disproved this claim.
Can autistic individuals feel emotions?
Yes, autistic individuals are capable of feeling all emotions. They may have difficulty expressing or interpreting emotions, leading to misconceptions.
Do all autistic individuals have an intellectual disability or inability to speak?
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.
Can one ‘grow out’ of autism?
No, autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. Early diagnosis and intervention can help individuals manage symptoms.
Does bad parenting cause autism?
No, bad parenting does not cause autism. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, not a reflection of parenting quality.
Are autistic individuals more violent?
No, research indicates that violence is no more prevalent among autistic individuals than the general population.
Is autism a mental health problem?
No, autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. However, individuals with autism may experience mental health challenges like anxiety or depression.
Is autism becoming an epidemic?
No, the increase in autism diagnoses reflects improved awareness, diagnostic capabilities, and understanding rather than an epidemic.
What is the current prevalence of ASD?
In 2020, 1 in 36 children aged 8 years was estimated to have ASD. Autism prevalence has increased 178% since 2000.
What are common signs of social interaction difficulties in ASD?
Examples include lack of eye contact, difficulty in responding to names, poor conversational reciprocity, and preference for solitary play.
What are some causes of ASD?
Causes include environmental factors (e.g., chemical pollutants, viral infections), genetic predisposition, older parental age, nutrient deficiencies, and stressful family environments.
What are risk factors for developing ASD?
Risk factors include having a sibling with ASD, older or younger parents, very low birth weight, and certain genetic conditions like Fragile X syndrome.
How does ASD affect expressive language abilities?
Expressive language abilities in ASD vary widely, from being non-verbal to having fluent speech.
How does early diagnosis affect ASD outcomes?
Early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes by helping individuals develop communication, social, and behavioral skills.
What are environmental factors linked to ASD?
Factors include chemical pollutants, heavy metal toxicity, very high-risk pregnancies, and certain infections affecting brain development.
How does parental age affect ASD risk?
Older or very young parents are at increased risk of having children with ASD due to potential genetic abnormalities or complications.
What percentage of individuals with ASD are boys?
Approximately four times as many boys as girls have autism.
Which country has the highest prevalence of autism?
Qatar has the highest rate of autism.
Which country has the lowest prevalence of autism?
France has the lowest rate of autism.
At what age can ASD be diagnosed?
Symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life, but ASD can be diagnosed as early as six months.
What are common symptoms affecting daily life in individuals with ASD?
Symptoms include difficulty with communication, restrictive/repetitive behaviors, and challenges functioning in school, work, and other areas of life.