Chapter 7 Autism Spectrum Disorder

Question 1

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Answer 1

A broadly conceptualized category of disorder reflecting compromised development in social functioning and communication, as well as restricted patterns of activities or interests.

Question 2

Social cognition

Answer 2

Psychological construct involving the processing of social and emotional information and events; this processing is observed at the intersections of self and other, emotion and cognition, and language and meaning.

Question 3

Joint attention

Answer 3

Communicative intentions such as eye contact, pointing, and shared attention, all of which smooth out the processes of social interaction and make it easier and more rewarding to participate in the social world.

Question 4

Theory of mind (ToM)

Answer 4

The ability to attribute mental states to others.

Question 5

Affective social competence

Answer 5

The coordination of the capacities to experience emotion, send emotional messages to others, and read others’ emotional signals.

Question 6

Social and communication deficits

Answer 6

Deficits in social– emotional reciprocity, in nonverbal communication, and in developing and maintaining relationships.

Question 7

Restricted, repetitive behaviors

Answer 7

Among the core, defining symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. These behaviors and focused interests appear to be associated with anxiety—both the direct experience of anxiety and attempts to manage or minimize the experience of anxiety.

Question 8

Fixated interests

Answer 8

Among the core, defining symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. These behaviors and focused interests appear to be associated with anxiety—both the direct experience of anxiety and attempts to manage or minimize the experience of anxiety.