Autistic Disorder and Asperger Spectrum Disorder

Question 1

What is a case example of autistic disorder & what symptoms did the patient show?

Answer 1

- Tommy from article
Symptoms:
- Failure to interact socially
- Odd repetitive behavior
- Anger tantrums
- Did not form interpersonal relationships, social withdrawal

Question 2

How was Tommy (autistic behavior disorder) treated?

Answer 2

• Behavior modification: taught basic life skills. Conditioned by reinforcing good behavior. For instance Tommy would be rewarded his favorite snack when he did something well. But, he would be put on time out for doing something bad.
• Group Lessons: to have him interact socially
• Individual therapy: Aim to develop child’s linguistic, vocabulary & diction skills.

Question 3

What is the first part for a diagnosis for Asperger Disorder?

Answer 3

1. An “impaired” social interaction including 2 of the following symptoms:
   A. Lack of eye contact (relative to cultural norms)
   B. Failure to develop age related peer relationships
   C. Failure to share, “interests”, enjoyments, achievements w/ others. (Intraphysicially)
   D. Lack of social-emotional connection w/ others

Question 4

What is the 2nd part for a diagnosis for Asperger Disorder?

Answer 4

2. At least 1 of the following symptoms of abnormal behavior (not culturally supported or relevant)
   A. Preoccupation w/ 1 or more interests (intense hyper-focus)
   B. Inflexible rituals/routine
   C. Repetitive stereotyped movements
   D. Preoccupation w/ a facet of 1 part of a topic, object, relationship to the exclusion of the Gestalt (whole picture)

Question 5

What is the 3rd part for a diagnosis for Asperger Disorder?

Answer 5

3. Disturbance causes significantly occupational problems functioning (remember Axis 5 - General Assessment of Functioning)

Question 6

What is the 4th part for a diagnosis for Asperger Disorder?

Answer 6

4. No Clinically significant delay in language, muscle tone, no delay in cognitive/ecological adaption

Question 7

What are some other clinically significant behavioral/cognitively/relational markers

Answer 7

1. Loud noises
2. Lights that are bright
3. Awkwardness
4. Takes things literal (little humor or wit)

Question 8

What is a case example of asperger spectrum disorder?

Answer 8

• Donald
  Symptoms:
• Lacked eye contact
• hyper-focused with maps, directions
• Hyper-focused with numbers
• Tried to communicate with his passengers in his own way (by talking to them about the maps)
• Awkwardness with Isabelle, would call & hang up.
• Awkwardness when trying to express that he likes Isabelle.