Chapter 9.5 Flashcards
What are the core symptoms of autism?
1) reduced ability to interpret the emotions and intentions of others
2) a reduced capacity for social interaction and communication
3) a preoccupation with a single subject or activity
When comparing different children who have an Autism diagnosis, would we be safe in assuming the children have similar symptoms, interests, and severity of deficits?
No, autism symptoms vary between individuals such that two people with the disorder may behave very differently
What is a savant? How common are savant abilities in individuals with autism?
Savants are intellectually handicapped individuals who nevertheless display amazing and specific cognitive or artistic abilities.
10% of individuals with autism display some savant abilities
Is autism genetically determined? What is currently known about the genetics of autism?
Current evidence suggests that the interaction among multiple genes and environment factors contribute to autism.
The rate of autism in siblings of individuals diagnosed is too low (5%) to suggest that single dominant or recessive gene causes autism
Describe the intellectual functioning of individuals with Williams syndrome. In comparison with their intellectual functioning, individuals with Williams syndrome demonstrate strengths in which cognitive abilities?
Individuals with Williams syndrome show low IQs around 60, but show strengths in language and musical abilities
What is currently know about the genetics of Williams syndrome?
The gene on one of the two copies of chromosomes 7 was absent in most of the individuals with Williams syndrome
Which two cortical areas show thinning in individuals with Williams syndrome? Which cortical area shows normal thickness?
Orbitofrontal cortex and at the boundary of the parietal and occipital cortex.
Superior temporal gyrus.
At what age do symptoms of autism become apparent?
Before the age of 3
