Autism Spectrum Disorders

Question 1

What is this describing?
Lifelong, pervasive developmental disorder. More common in males. No single cause butt obstetric complications, perinatal infections and genetics are all risk factors.

Answer 1

Autism spectrum disorders

Question 2

What are the impaired reciprocal social interaction features of autism?

Answer 2

1. Not interested in people
2. Appear aloof
3. Tend to play alone
4. Unaware of the existence of feelings of others
5. Impoverished attachments without warmth
6. Odd or avoidance eye contact
7. Bad at making friends
8. Does not turned to parents for comfort

Question 3

What are the communication abnormalities present in autism?

Answer 3

1. Expressive speech is delayed or minimal
2. Ideas are taken literally
3. Absent gestures
4. Odd speech, repetitive, order use of pronouns
5. No fantasy or pretend play

Question 4

What are the restricted behaviours and routine features of autism?

Answer 4

1. Repetitive, stereotyped behaviours
2. Preoccupation with parts of object
3. Marked distress over minor or trivial changes
4. Insists on following routine in precise detail
5. Narrow fixations

Question 5

What are the important differentials for autism spectrum disorders?

Answer 5

1. Deafness
2. Asperger’s syndrome
3. Specific language disorder - delayed speech but normal IQ and social skills
4. Learning disability - IQ problems but relatively intact social skills
5. Neglect

Question 6

How is autism investigated?

Answer 6

1. Hearing tests
2. Speech and language assessment
3. Neuropsychological testing

Question 7

What is the management for autism?

Answer 7

1. Support and advice for families - national Autistic Society
2. Reinforce positive behaviours
3. SALT, picture exchange communication system
4. Special education
5. Risperidone only for extreme aggression
6. SSRIs only for extreme repetitive behaviour

Question 8

What is the prognosis of autism?

Answer 8

Very few gainful independence and require lifelong support and care.

Question 9

What are the features of Asperger’s Syndrome?

Answer 9

1. Poor social skills and restricted interests
2. Normal language and normal or above average intelligence
3. Literal interpretation of language difficulty in social cues
4. Much better prognosis than autism