Behaviour Flashcards
What are the RFs for behavioural problems?
Parenting factors: Inconsistency, contradictory Child abuse/neglect Family/marital problems Overindulgence Injury/chronic illness Seperation Bereavement
How are behavioural problems managed?
Calm, consistency, boundaries, rules Define the problem Plan intervention Explore & feedback Star charts Time out
What are the signs & symptoms of Autism?
Language & communication: Delay/lack of speech, failure to reciprocate conversation, stereotypies of speech, lack of imaginative play, abnormalities in pitch/rate/ rhythm, neologism, echolalia, overly formal, self-interest, literal understanding
Social: Difficulty recognising emotions, failure/delay, appears insensitive, inappropriate subjects, struggles with social rules, prefer to be alone, lack of personal space, difficulty forming friendships
Above average IQ
Special interests
Obsessions
Attachments to unusual objects
Distress over small changes/routine disrupted
Lack of flexibility
How is Autism managed?
Psychosocial interventions
Behaviour management
Parental involvement
Medical: Tx conditions (Fragile X, PKU), genetic counselling, Tx for mood disorder, anticonvulsants for epilepsy
When taking a behaviour related history what should be considered?
ABC
A- Antisedence (trigger/ what happened before)
B- Behaviour
C- Consequence
What is the pathophysiology of Autism?
Limbic lobe may be involved
Implicated in emotional regulation
What are the causes of ADHD?
Frontal lobe under activity
NT dopamine depletion
Parenting
Genetics
What are the signs & symptoms of ADHD?
Inattention: Poor attention to detail & tasks, appears not listening, poor self-organisation, easily distracted, doesn’t follow things through/finish tasks, loses homework
Hyperactivity: Fidgets, leaves seat in class, often on the go, runs rather than walks, Noisy, persistent
Impulsive: Blurts out answers, interrupts, difficulty waiting turn, talks excessively without picking up on social cues
How is ADHD diagnosed?
6m of symptoms <7yo
Symptoms from ALL areas: Excessive compared w/norm, pervasive (>1 social setting)
Exclude: Depression, LD, Abuse, trauma, hearing problems
How is ADHD managed?
Behavioural interventions
Methylphenidate PO: Improves symptoms
Atomoxetine PO: 24hr coverage but takes up to 4w for effect
What are the side effects of the ADHD medications?
M: Inc tics, appetite suppression, inc HR & BP, dec growth, nausea, poor sleep, abdo pain, headaches
A: Less appetite suppression & sleep issues, 3/1000 jaundice, suicidal ideation
When is attachment first seen?
6months
Stranger anxiety: 9months
What are the 3 key features of ADHD?
Inattention
Over-activity
Impulsivity
What are the differentials for ADHD?
Age/developmentally appropriate Conduct disorder Overactivity from meds/Autism Inattentiveness from stress Disinhibited attachment disorder
How is Autism diagnosed?
Symptoms for 36months
ALL 3 areas of deficit: Communication, Reciprocal social interaction, Restricted, repetitive behaviours & interests
