Concepts and theories Flashcards
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What is Temporo-Spatial Processing Disorder (TSPD)?
What are some examples of TSPD impairments?
A difficulty in processing dynamic sensory inputs in real-time, leading to issues in verbal communication, emotion recognition, and motor coordination
- Slowed responses to rapid visual stimuli
- Impairments in facial recognition
- Phoneme categorization difficulties
- Motor anticipation issues
What is Multi-system Brain Disconnectivity-Dissynchrony (MBD)?
Disrupted neural connectivity and synchronization across brain regions
What issue contributes to the underdiagnosis of ADHD in women?
- Diagnostic criteria may favor boys
- Girls show more subtle symptoms
- Higher impairment level needed for diagnosis
- Diagnostic overshadowing by other mental health issues
What is Theory of Mind (ToM) and how can it be assessed?
The ability to understand that others have beliefs, desires, and perspectives different from one’s own
Assessment: Sally-Anne False-Belief Task
What is ableism?
A system of discrimination against disabled individuals, characterized by deficit-focused language
What is the neurodiversity paradigm?
Conceptualizes autism as a natural form of human diversity, emphasizing strengths and differences
What are the Seven Pillars of RDoC?
- Dimensionality
- Multi-level analysis
- Focus on mechanisms
- Cross-Diagnostic relevance
- Developmental trajectories
- Environmental influences
- Iterative framework
What is the significance of stakeholder perspectives in school inclusion?
Helps create a supportive and inclusive environment by recognizing diverse views
What notable sex differences exist in neurodevelopmental conditions?
Prevalence and presentation of NDCs!!
E.g. men are more commonly diagnosed with autism and ADHD compared to women.
Gender, which encompasses both identity and social roles, can affect how individuals experience and cope with neurodevelopmental conditions. E.g. Women with ASD being underdiagnosed because their social behaviors differ from the male stereotypical presentation of the condition.
What is the transdiagnostic approach?
Examines shared mechanisms across neurodevelopmental disorders rather than treating them as separate categories
What are white noise and pink noise’s effects on ADHD?
- White noise: modest benefits for sustained attention
- Pink noise: potential for calming and improved sleep
What does social skills training entail, and what supports the effectiveness of this intervention?
Social skills training: commonly used to improve communication, interaction, and emotional regulation in autistic individuals. E.g. learning social cues, initiating and maintaining conversations, and managing peer interactions.
Outcomes & support: Significant improvement in social skills compared to the control group. Gains were observed in initiating interactions, understanding non-verbal cues, and reducing inappropriate behaviors in social contexts. The benefits of the training were sustained over time, indicating long-term effectiveness.
What are the different stakeholder perspectives for ASD inclusion in school?
Stakeholder perspectives refer to the views, experiences, and attitudes of all groups involved in the inclusion of autistic students in mainstream schools.
Parents, who often value inclusion but worry about support and acceptance
Teachers, who may feel unprepared despite positive attitudes
Administrators, who face logistical and resource challenges
Peers, whose attitudes vary based on guidance.
What are the most common co-occuring psychiatric disorders amongst ASD individuals?
(compared to the general population):
28% prevalence for ADHD
20% for anxiety disorders
11% for depressive disorders
What are restricted repetitive behaviors (RRB)? Name four ways in which they can manifest.
Restricted repetitive behaviors (RRB): a core characteristic of ASD and refer to patterns of behavior that are repetitive, rigid, and often focused on specific activities or routines.
These behaviors can take several forms, including:
1. Repetitive movements: Such as hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, or other body movements.
- Repetitive speech: This might include repeating words, phrases, or sounds, sometimes called echolalia.
- Rigidity in routines: A strong preference for sameness and distress when routines or environments change. This can also include specific rituals or fixed ways of doing things.
- Focused interests: Intense interest or obsession with particular topics or objects, often leading to spending excessive time on these interests.
What is partial representation?
When some groups within a larger population receive more attention than others. E.g. “high functioning individuals”
Explain this theory: The Weak Coherence Account
This theory explains the detail-oriented cognitive style commonly observed in individuals with ASD, suggesting that they are predisposed to focus on local details rather than processing information in a more holistic or integrated manner.
Strengths in tasks requiring attention to fine details (e.g., spotting differences, pattern recognition).
Challenges in understanding context or integrating broader meaning (e.g., narratives, social cues).
Explains traits like specialized interests, literal thinking, and preference for predictability.
Explain this theory: The first year puzzle
This theory challenge the social-first hypotheses! Studies show that infants who later develop autism initially show typical social responses during their first year, with differences becoming more apparent in the second year. Early signs may include domain-general atypicalities like motor delays, perceptual sensitivities, and attentional rigidity, rather than specific social impairments.
Explain this theory: Social Motivation Theory of Autism
This theory suggests an altered motivation to engage with social stimuli. The core idea is that ASD individuals have diminished intrinsic motivation to interact with others. This deficit is primary, meaning it precedes and affects the development of social skills and interactions. Reduced interest in socializing may lead to fewer opportunities for learning social norms and developing communication skills.
Manifests as: reduced eye contact, limited joint attention, and difficulties with reciprocal play and communication.
Interventions: could focus on enhancing social motivation through reward-based learning and creating environments that positively reinforce social interactions.
Explain this theory: Social-First Hypotheses
Proposes that deficits in social information processing early in life disrupt developmental milestones like shared attention, language acquisition, and theory of mind.
Suggests cascading effects from impaired social engagement to broader cognitive and behavioral symptoms.
Criticism: Many studies show typical social responses in infants at risk for autism during the first year of life. Deficits (e.g., reduced eye fixation, social orienting) often emerge later, contradicting the idea of early, specific social impairments. Domain-general atypicalities may explain symptoms better.
Explain this theory: The sensory first account
Sensory issues → cognitive + social issues
Autistic individuals often have altered sensory perceptions, such as heightened or reduced sensitivity to sound, light, or touch. These differences can impact daily life, contributing to social, learning, and behavioral challenges.
In the neurodiversity paradigm, we can look at RRBs in a different way, how?
How does this differ from the view within the medical paradigm?
Rethinking RRB: Repetitive behaviors often serve purposes like self-regulation, creating predictability, or expressing strengths and interests. Intense interests can lead to skill development and expertise.
Historically, these behaviors were seen as deficits to be reduced.
How are ADHD and ASD linked?
Name the three distinct pathways identified between ASD and ADHD symptoms.
They share significant overlapping features, particularly in genetics, executive function, and social cognition.
The findings suggest that ADHD symptoms, like impulsivity and hyperactivity, may contribute to specific ASD traits, such as social difficulties or repetitive behaviors.
Pathways:
Impulsivity (ADHD) → Social comprehension difficulties (ASD).
Hyperactivity (ADHD) → Stereotypic and repetitive behaviors (ASD).
Inattention (ADHD) ↔ Social comprehension and verbal IQ deficits (ASD).
What is masking/camouflaging? Give examples
A strategy autistic individuals use to appear neurotypical in social settings.
E.g. Mimicking behaviors, suppressing natural autistic traits, and adhering to social norms to avoid stigma.
What can camouflaging lead to, according to the article*?
*Autistic Adults’ Experiences of Camouflaging and Its Perceived Impact on Mental Health
Bradley, Shaw, Baron-Cohen, Cassidy
- Exhaustion and burnout
- Anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
- Loss of identity
- Delayed diagnosis
+ Social access: It allowed participants to form relationships, find employment, and navigate neurotypical spaces.
+ Safety: Camouflaging helped avoid bullying, discrimination, or harm in some cases.
Both articles* discuss how ToM is related to autism? How do they differ?
- Does the Autistic Child Have a “Theory of Mind”? Baron-Cohen, Leslie, Frith
- Theory of Mind in Autism: A Research Field Reborn, Askham
Deficit vs. Variability: Baron-Cohen et al. view ToM as a core deficit in autism, while Askham highlights its variability, noting that not all individuals with autism have ToM deficits.
Updated Perspective: Askham incorporates newer research, suggesting autism is complex and individuals may show strengths in certain areas, challenging the idea of a universal ToM impairment.
Social Context: Askham emphasizes the role of social and environmental factors in improving ToM, while Baron-Cohen et al. focus on inherent developmental difference
What is discussed in Autism Research at the Crossroads by Huggett?
Hugget discusses the tensions between autism researchers and the neurodiversity movement.
The article highlights conflicts over terminology, research focus, and representation, particularly around the biology-based research vs. the advocacy for autistic people’s acceptance.
It calls for better dialogue, understanding, and collaboration between researchers and activists, emphasizing the importance of including autistic individuals in research and being mindful of confrontational approaches.
Social Model of Disability vs. Medical Model
The Social Model of Disability emphasizes that disability is not an inherent trait of the individual but rather a result of societal barriers, such as lack of accessibility or inclusion.
The Medical Model views disability through a more deficit-based lens, focusing on the individual’s impairments and the need for treatment or intervention.
Double Empathy Problem
This theory posits that the communication and social difficulties faced by autistic individuals are not one-sided but arise from a mutual misunderstanding between neurotypical and autistic individuals. It suggests that the challenges of interaction are reciprocal, with both groups having limited insight into each other’s perspectives and communication styles.
What are some current issues in autism research? (Crossroads)
Research Funding Imbalance: significant focus on biological and genetic research (like risk factors) over areas like services and quality of life. Clinical interventions that focus on improving the everyday lives of autistic individuals and addressing their long-term needs are underfunded.
Bias in Autism Research: Research methodology can be biased toward the perspectives of higher-functioning autistics, who are more likely to self-advocate and influence research agendas, which means the voices of those with more profound impairments or non-verbal individuals may be underrepresented, thus skewing the research.
Use of Social Media in Advocacy: The rise of social media as a tool for advocacy has brought about rapid, sometimes polarized discussions. While it gives a platform to self-advocates, it also fosters confrontation and makes nuanced discussions more difficult. This creates societal tension, as different groups (e.g., researchers, parents, self-advocates) often engage in harmful online disputes.
What is the main reason for camouflaging identified in the article*, and what was the most damaging aspect of it?
*Autistic Adults’ Experiences of Camouflaging and Its Perceived Impact on Mental Health, Bradley, Shaw, Baron-Cohen, Cassidy
The main reason for camouflaging was identified as society’s lack of awareness and acceptance of autism.
The most damaging aspect of camouflaging was the time spent doing it.
What were the findings in this article* regarding autism research funding?
- Short Report: Patterns of US Federal Autism Research Funding During 2017–2019, Harris, Hand
The findings highlight the continued focus on biological research despite calls for more attention to practical applications like services and lifespan issues. With biological research receiving 32.59% of the funding, followed by treatments and interventions (22.87%). Areas prioritized by IACC, like services (5.02%) and lifespan issues (2.51%), received far less funding.
This shows a misalignment between research priorities and actual funding distribution. These areas are particularly crucial for autistic adults, especially in addressing healthcare, employment, and community participation.
What is diagnostic overshadowing?
The tendency for other mental health conditions (such as anxiety or depression) to overshadow or be misdiagnosed in place of ADHD, especially in females, who often present with these co-occurring disorders.
What are some common co-occurring conditions in autistic individuals, and how do they impact mental health care?
Autistic individuals often have co-occurring conditions like ADHD, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, and learning disorders. Mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders are more prevalent compared to the general population. These co-occurring conditions complicate mental health care, requiring a personalized, integrated approach to improve outcomes.
What is autistic burnout and autistic inertia?
Autistic burnout is extreme mental and physical exhaustion, social withdrawal, and difficulty functioning, with increased autistic traits and reduced ability to mask them.
Autistic inertia refers to difficulties in starting or stopping activities, with a tendency to remain in one state and a disconnect between intentions and actions.
This article* outlines three major critiques of the traditional medical model, which ones?
- Annual Research Review: Shifting from ‘Normal Science’ to Neurodiversity in Autism Science Pellicano, den Houting
- Overemphasis on deficits: The traditional medical approach tends to define autism solely in terms of deficits or what is “wrong” with the individual.
- Individualistic: The focus is placed primarily on the individual rather than the social and environmental contexts that shape their experiences. This ignores how societal structures, access to support, and social attitudes play a role in the challenges faced by autistic people.
- Narrow perspective: By framing autism as a disorder, the medical model limits the understanding of autism to a set of symptoms that need to be treated or corrected. It fails to recognize the wide spectrum of autistic experiences and traits, as well as the potential strengths and abilities that autistic individuals may possess.
What implications would the Neurodiversity paradigm have for autism research?
Better Representation: Autistic individuals would have a stronger voice in research, ensuring that studies are designed with their lived experiences in mind. This could lead to more accurate, relevant findings that reflect the full range of autistic experiences.
Shift in Research Focus: Research could broaden to include a greater emphasis on understanding how societal structures (e.g., education, work, social environments) interact with autistic traits, as well as how the autistic community can be supported in achieving autonomy and well-being.
Collaboration with the Autistic Community: A neurodiversity-focused research approach would involve greater collaboration with the autistic community. Autistic individuals would be partners in the research process, not just subjects of study.
