Autism Spectrum Disorders Flashcards
trend in the prevalence of autism since 2000
- 2000: 1:166
- 2010: 1:64
DSM-5 Criteria for ASD
- Biologically based neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in two major domains:
- social communication and interaction
- restricted repetitive patterns of behavior interests and activities
- Although sx may be present in early childhood, sx may not truly manifest until social demands EXCEED limited capacity
- Severity index:
- level 3: requiring very substantial support
- level 2: requiring substantial support
- level 1: requiring support
**these are the highlights
List the persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction observed in patients with ASD
- social reciprocity
- joint attention (ex: lack of pointing)
- non-verbal communication types
- social relationship hindering
Identify examples of restrictive/repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities that may be observed in a person with ASD
- stereotyped behaviors
- insistence of sameness (same routine every day)
- restricted interests (they all loved thomas the train)
- sensory perception
State the relative positions of classic autism and Asperger Syndrome on the autistic spectrum with respect to learning abilities
- classic autism: within the most severe category; includes lower IQ, impact on the ability of the pt to take care of themselves; on the lower end of the spectrum
- asperger syndrom: associated w/ high IQ and minimal impairments in life and ability to take care of one’s self; associated w/ the higher end of the spectrum
State the early signs of ASD that may be observed at 6 months of age when screening during a well visit
no big smiles or warm joyful expressions
State the early signs of ASD that may be observed at 9 months of age when screening during a well visit
no back and forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or facial expressions
State the early signs of ASD that may be observed at 12 months of age when screening during a well visit
no babbling or baby talk, no back and forth gestures like showing, pointing, reaching, waving
State the early signs of ASD that may be observed at 16 months of age when screening during a well visit
no spoken words
State the early signs of ASD that may be observed at 24 months of age when screening during a well visit
no meaningful two-word phrases
State the early signs of ASD that may be observed at any age when screening during a well visit
loss of speech, babbling, loss of impact in social skills
Identify the intervals recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to screen for development delays and disabilities
- 9, 18, 24 and 30-month screening for developmental delays.
- Additional screenings PRN if a child is at high risk d/t preterm birth or low birth weight.
- During “well baby checks” these should be at least approached at 3 and 6 months for warm joyful expressions.
State the domains assessed in the ASQ screening tool
- motor problem solving
- social/emotional development
Identify some disciplines that should be part of a multidisciplinary team to assess a child who is suspected to have ASD
- audiologist
- pediatrician
- genetic counselor
- occupational therapist
- speech path
- social worker
- child psychiatrist
- child psychologist
State the info that should be gathered during the history of a child suspected to have ASD
- Review developmental hx
- Parental concerns hearing, vision, speech
- Early communication efforts: pointing, eye contact
- Some seizure hx
- Hx of repetitive behaviors (hand flapping)
- Unusual visual behavior
- Frequent tantrums or inability to tolerate changes
- Hx of possible seizures
- Self-injury
- Eating trouble
