developmental disorders Flashcards
what are developmental disorders?
divergence from typical development, often lifelong, present in as many as 10% of children
what causes developmental disorders?
-known genetic basis
-putative genetic basis
-environmental cause
how can a child be diagnosed with a developmental disorder?
usually GP refers to specialised pediatricians and clinical psychologists
argue whether diagnosis is helpful or harmful
what are the characteristics of autism?
differences in social interaction and communication
restricted interests and repetitive behaviours
putative genetic cause
1/44 children- more common in boys
can be present for high or low IQ
what are two theories of autism?
theory of mind hypothesis (Baron-Cohen et al)
theory of weak central coherence (Frith)
what is the theory of mind hypothesis for autism?
children complete an unexpected transfer test
autistic children performed worse than verbal and non verbal ability matched groups
what is the theory of weak central coherence?
accounts for non-social differences and perceptual strengths seen in autism
autistic individuals faster and more accurate on embedded figures task, and block design task
what are the characteristics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
inattention= unresponsive yet distractable
hyperactivity= fidget, cannot stay still
impulsivity= cannot wait/impatience
8/100 people
more common in boys
high heritability estimates, but also affected by factors like diet
what are two theories of ADHD?
primary differences in executive functioning (Barkley)
primary differences with reward and motivation, difficulty with delayed gratification (Sonuga-Barke)
what are characteristics of language disorders?
around 7/100
more common in boys than girls
language areas of the brain often affected= Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area
what are the characteristics of developmental disorders?
difficulty in reading and spelling, which can’t be explained by generally poor ability
genetic basis, but also affected by environmental factors= whether the language is transparent
what is the medical model of disability?
focuses on the problem being in the individual- disability from internal cause and they are imparied
try to find a cure
what is the social model of disability?
not the individual’s problem that they have a difference
world is constructed in a non-accessible way
what is neurodiversity?
focuses on difference not disability
neurological differences should be respected
