Case 13: ASD Flashcards
Umbrella classification for autism that encompasses all levels of severity, with characteristics defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V (DSM-V)1; typically, the most impaired functioning is in social and language skills.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Classification used for children with “atypical autism”; individuals display some of the characteristics of typical autism, but demonstrate different onset, severity, or lack some characteristics of classic autism. This has changed under the implementation of DSM-V and this diagnosis is included under the diagnosis of ASD, with a severity level defined
PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENT DISORDER, NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED (PDD-NOS):
Ritualistic movement pattern or behavior; when seen in children with a diagnosis of ASD, these movement patterns are considered secondary to the diagnosis.
STEREOTYPY
Motor impairments in children with ASD typically include all of the following, except:
A. Low muscle tone
B. Early difficulty with head control
C. Early asymmetries in use of arms
D. Spasticity
D: spasticity (UMN)
A valid and reliable outcome measure for evaluating bilateral coordination in children with ASD is:
A.Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS)
B. Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (2nd edition; BOT- 2)
C. Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (MABC-2)
D.Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment/Preference for Activities of Children
B. Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (2nd edition; BOT- 2)
*bilateral coordination + gross and fine motor performance, balance, running speed, strength, agility, manual dexterity
CARS: observational rating scale
MABC-2: movement skills, but not bilateral coordination
Option D: participation level, but bilateral coordination is a functional limitation level
Treatments that are effective for children with ASD in improving motor functioning include all except:
A. Hippotherapy
B. Aquatics
C. Repetitive play activities
D. Antidepressants
D. Antidepressants
There are no good studies evaluating the effectiveness of antidepressant use in children with ASD. Current recommendations are
that these medications should be a last resort, after other better- supported interventions.
What are typical motor issues in a child with ASD?
difficulty with symmetrical movements
head lag in infancy *good indicator early on
motor coordination deficits
low muscle tone
apraxia
PT precautions for children with ASD
be aware of sensory system and overstimulation
difficulty with transitioning between activities, so cues and warnings may be needed
Complications interfering with PT for children with ASD
Some children have difficulty with various sensory stimuli, becoming overwhelmed by sounds, visual input, and/or tactile stimuli, causing them to “shut down” and not be able to participate in therapy.
What are 2 reliable, valid tools to measure successful outcomes for children with ASD?
MABC-2
BOT-2
participation tool with high-functioning autism: Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment/Preference for Activities of Children
What are effective interventions for improving body function and structure and activity limits with children with ASD?
Use rhythm and music for encouraging movement
coordinate with speech (SLP) and behavioral analyst (ABA)
CATs (complementary and alternative treatments)
aquatics therapy
hippotherapy
Simple commands, modeling, and allowing time for the child to process. Each child has different needs (some like deep pressure, others averse to all touch, etc.)
Common comorbidities in children with a diagnosis of ASD are fragile X, tuberous sclerosis, Tourette syndrome, epilepsy, and prematurity T or F
true
PTs should be aware of medications + common adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The most common medications taken to mitigate irritability and aggression are
risperidone (Risperdal) and aripiprazole (Abilify).
The ADRs that can negatively impact participation in therapeutic activities include sleepiness, constipation, and weight gain
They may also be taking ADHD meds if also diagnosed with ADHD
Medication to treat ____ is generally given as a last resort because there are few studies investigating their use in children with ASD and the ADRs may outweigh the benefits.
depression
The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2) uses 8 subtests for gross and fine motor performance for children ___ to __ years of age
4 to 21 years of age
*takes a while to score
The Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition (MABC-2) assesses gross and fine motor skills in children in three different age bands:
- 3-6 years
- 7-10 years
- 11-16 years
Select complementary and alternative treatments (CATs) such as melatonin, multivitamins, massage therapy, acupuncture, exercise, music therapy, or animal-assisted therapy appear safe and may improve aspects of behavior in children with ASD. T or F
True grade B evidence
Aquatic therapy DOES NOT improve motor skills and social interaction in children with ASD
False, it does (grade B evidence)
