Autism Spectrum Disorders (2)

Question 1

What do these pts lack? What does this mean?

What are its 2 main features?

What is also a common presentation here?

What do most have alongside this?

Answer 1

➊ ‘Theory of mind’, so aren’t able to imagine the perspective of other people

➋ • Difficulties in interaction and social communication
• Restricted interests and ritualistic behaviour (e.g. unimaginative, rigidity, resistance to change)

➌ Unusual sensory sensitivities

➍ LDs and other neurodevelopmental difficulties (50%)

Question 2

What are its clinical features regarding social interaction?

What are its clinical features regarding communication?

What are its clinical features regarding behaviour?

Answer 2

➊ • Lack of eye-contact
• Delay in smiling
• Avoids physical contact
• Unable to read non-verbal cues
• Difficulty establishing friendships
• Not displaying a desire to share attention (i.e not playing with others)

➋ • Delay, absence or regression in language development
• Lack of appropriate non-verbal communication such as smiling, eye contact, sharing interest, responding to others
• Difficulty with imaginative or imitative behaviour
• Repetitive use of words or phrases

➌ • Greater interest in objects, numbers or patterns than people
• Stereotypical repetitive movements – May be self-stimulating movements, used to comfort themselves e.g. rocking
• Intensive and deep interests that are persistent and resistant to change
• Repetitive behaviour and fixed routines
• Anxiety and distress with experiences outside their normal routine
• Extremely restricted food preferences