Autism Spectrum Disorders

Question 1

What is the prevalence of autism?

Answer 1

1/110 (and increasing)

Question 2

The majority of autistic pts are what gender?

Answer 2

male

Question 3

What is the usual IQ range seen in ASD pts?

Answer 3

normal to above-normal

Question 4

What is the medical test for ASD?

Answer 4

there is none

Question 5

How is autism diagnosed?

Answer 5

• behavioral observation
• parent report
• review of history

Question 6

Name 3 social communication and interaction defects in autism.

Answer 6

1. deficits in social-emotional reciprocity
2. deficits in nonverbal communication behaviors
3. deficits in developing and maintaining relationships

Question 7

Why is ASD called a spectrum disorder?

Answer 7

it affects each person in different ways and ranges from mild to severe

Question 8

Name 4 restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities seen in autism.

Answer 8

1. stereotyped or repetitive speech, motor movements, or use of objects
2. excessive adherence to routines
3. highly restricted, fixated interests abnormal in intensity or focus
4. hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input

Question 9

What are the best interventions for autism?

Answer 9

• educational
• behavioral
• psychological

Question 10

When does autism present?

Answer 10

before age 3

Question 11

What causes autism?

Answer 11

unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors are surely involved

Question 12

Name 4 major criteria that must be met to diagnose autism.

Answer 12

1. deficits in social communication and interaction
2. restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities
3. symptoms present in early childhood
4. symptoms together limit and impair everyday functioning

Question 13

Most individuals with ASD also have?

Answer 13

• learning disabilities
• psych conditions
• difficulty sleeping and eating
• difficulty regulating behaviors
• difficulty attending in appropriate ways