Child Psychiatry Flashcards
What is autism?
Pervasive developmental disorder consisting of a triad of impairment of:
. Social interaction
. Communication
. Restricted, stereotyped interests and behaviours
What are the prenatal risks of autism?
Genetics- polygenic, number of chromosomes implicated ie: chromosome 7, genetic syndromes like fragile X and tuberous sclerosis.
Parental age- women who are 40 have 50% more chance of having a child with autism than those 20-29
Drugs- certain meds like sodium valproate
Infection- pre natal like rubella
What are the antenatal risks of autism?
Hypoxia during childbirth
Decreased gestational age at birth (born before 35 weeks)
low birth weight
What are the post natal risks of autism?
Toxins - lead and Mercury
Pesticide exposure
What is meant by asocial in people with autism?
People with autism have few social gestures: waving, nodding, pointing at objects
They are unable to make eye contact (gaze avoidance), social smile, response to name, interest in others, emotional expression, suistain relationships and awareness of social rules.
What is meant by restricted behaviour in autism?
Autism patients have a restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviour- rocking and twisting
They get upset at changes in their routine
May prefer the same foods, insist on the same clothes and play the same games
Obsessively pursued interests
They have a fascination with the sensory aspects of the environment
What is meant by communication impairment in children with autism?
Distorted and delayed speech (the first sign which is noticed)
Echolalia (repetition of words)
When is the onset of autism?
Parents normally have a cause for concern by 12-18 months
The onset of autism is normally before 3.
What is the ICD-10 criteria for the diagnosis of autism?
Presence of abnormal or impaired development before the age of three
Qualitative abnormalities in social interaction
Qualitative abnormalities in communication
Restrictive, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests and activities.
The clinical picture shouldn’t be attributable to other varieties of Pervasive developmental disorders.
What screening tools can be used for autism?
CHAT
Checklist for Autism in Toddlers
What are the differentials for autism?
Asperger syndrome Rett’s syndrome Childhood disintegrative disorder Learning disability Deafness Childhood schizophrenia
What is Retts syndrome?
A rare non inherited genetic postnatal neurological disorder which occurs mainly in girls.
What is the hallmark of Retts syndrome?
A regression of cognitive and motor skills ie: a woman will say her child was walking and now they are
Only crawling.
What is Retts syndrome caused by?
A mutation in the MECP2 gene
It is X linked dominant and fatal in males.
What is childhood disintegrative disorder (hellers syndrome)?
This is characterised by two years of normal development, followed by loss of previously learned skills (language/social/motor) it is also associated with repetitive, stereotyped interests and behaviours, as well as cognitive deterioration.