Autism Spectrum Disorders

Question 1

What are the 4 different disorders grouped as ASD?

Answer 1

Asperger’s syndrome
Rett’s syndrome
Childhood autism
Pervasive development disorder

Question 2

What is the 4 main characteristics seen in ASD?

Answer 2

Impaired social communication
Impaired social interaction and imagination
Restricted interests
Repetitive behaviours

Question 3

The impairment of social communication in ASD is in what regard?

Answer 3

A failure to grasp the underlying meaning of a conversation.

Question 4

How is social interaction impaired in ASD?

Answer 4

Failure to understand non-verbal cues.

Appear self-focused.

Question 5

Does ASD affect girls more, or boys?

Answer 5

It is more common in boys.

Question 6

What conditions are linked to the incidence of autism?

Answer 6

Rubella
Tuberous sclerosis
Fragile X syndrome
Encephalitis
Phenylketonuria (untreated)

Question 7

What is the most common inherited intellectual disability?

Answer 7

Fragile X syndrome

Question 8

Are co-morbidities common in ASD?

Answer 8

Yes

Around 60% develop anxiety or depression.

Question 9

What test is gold standard for ASD diagnosis?

Answer 9

ADOS

Question 10

How is autism managed?

Answer 10

Psychosocial education

No pharmacotherapy exists for ASD, however co-morbidities may need treatment.