Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD Flashcards
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by abnormal social interaction, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive behaviours.
What is the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is four times more prevalent in boys than girls. In the UK, 1 in 100 people are considered to be on the autistic spectrum.
What are some known predisposing medical conditions for Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Known predisposing medical conditions include infantile spasms, congenital rubella, tuberous sclerosis, and Fragile X syndrome.
What are the risk factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Risk factors include male sex, family history, genetic variants such as PTEN, MeCP, and several submicroscopic copy number variants (CNV), and chromosomal abnormalities.
What are the typical features of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Typical features can be classed into three categories: social interaction, communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviours.
What are some common comorbidities associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Common comorbidities include epilepsy (20-30%) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (50%).
How is Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves clinical assessment, observable features in all environments from early childhood, and tools like the Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview (3Di) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
What is the management approach for Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Management includes early intervention, specialist education, therapies (occupational, speech, clinical psychology), sleep hygiene, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression/anxiety, and melatonin for sleep difficulties.
What are the potential complications of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Complications can include social isolation, bullying, educational/employment problems, and inability to live independently.
