Chapter 14 - Abnormal Behaviour in Childhood and Adolescence

Question 1

pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs)

Answer 1

A class of developmental disorders characterized by significantly impaired behaviour or functioning in multiple areas of development.

Question 2

autism

Answer 2

A pervasive developmental disorder characterized by failure to related to others, lack of speech, disturbed motor behaviours, intellectual impairment, and demands for sameness in the environment.

Question 3

Asperger’s disorder

Answer 3

A pervasive developmental disorder characterized by social deficits and stereotyped behaviour but without the significant language or cognitive impairments associated with autism.

Question 4

Rett’s disorder

Answer 4

A pervasive developmental disorder characterized by a range of physical, behavioural, motor, and cognitive abnormalities that begin after a few months of apparently normal development.

Question 5

childhood disintegrative disorder

Answer 5

A pervasive developmental disorder involving loss of previously acquired skills and abnormal functioning following a period of apparently normal development for the first 2 years of life.

Question 6

mental retardation

Answer 6

A generalized delay or impairment in the development of intellectual and adaptive abilities.

Question 7

Down syndrome

Answer 7

A condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome on the 21st pair and characterized by mental retardation and various physical abnormalities.

(Prevalence = approx. 1 in 800)

Question 8

fragile X syndrome

Answer 8

An inherited form of mental retardation caused by a mutated gene on the X chromosome.

(Prevalence = approx. 1 in 1,000-1,500 males and 1 in 2.000-2,500 females)

Question 9

phenylketonuria (PKU)

Answer 9

A genetic disorder that prevents the metabolism of phenylpyruvic acid, leading to mental retardation unless the diet is strictly controlled.

Question 10

cultural-familial retardation

Answer 10

A mild form of mental retardation that is influenced by impoverishment of the home environment.

Question 11

dyslexia

Answer 11

A learning disorder characterized by impaired reading ability.

Question 12

learning disorder

Answer 12

A deficiency in a specific learning ability in the context of normal intelligence and exposure to learning opportunities.

(Types of learning disorders include: Mathematics Disorder, Disorder of Written Expression, and Reading - Dyslexia - Disorder)

Question 13

communication disorders

Answer 13

A class of psychological disorders characterized by difficulties in understanding or using language.

Question 14

attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Answer 14

A behaviour disorder characterized by excessive motor activity and inability to focus one’s attention.

Question 15

hyperactivity

Answer 15

An abnormal behaviour pattern characterized by difficulty in maintaining attention and extreme restlessness.

Question 16

conduct disorder

Answer 16

A psychological disorder in childhood and adolescence characterized by disruptive, antisocial behaviour.

Question 17

oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

Answer 17

A psychological disorder in childhood characterized by excessive oppositionality or tendencies to refuse requests from parents and others.

Question 18

separation anxiety disorder

Answer 18

A childhood disorder characterized by extreme fear of separation from parents or other caretakers.

Question 19

enuresis

Answer 19

Failure to control urination after one has reached the expected age for attaining such control.

Question 20

encopresis

Answer 20

Lack of control over bowel movements that is not caused by an organic problem in a child who is at least 4 years old.