Developmental Disorders : Guest Lecture Flashcards
Is it true that only males have autism?
No.
Is it true that autism can only be diagnosed in childhood?
No.
Is it true that autism can be cured?
No.
What form of language is preferable used in addressing autistic people?
Identity-First language:
“Autistic people” not “Person with autism”
for whatever fucking reason it matters i guess
What is the basis of the neurodiversity paradigm?
Disability and neurodivergence is normal and natural and neurodiversity is valuable; there is no one “right” kind of brain.
What are the outdated theories on autism?
It is only seen in boys (rarely in girls)
Can only be diagnosed in childhood
ABA and CBT are useful treatments
High functioning and low functioning forms
Is CBT an effective form of treatment for autistic people?
No, many say it makes their symptoms worse.
What are the five signs of autism?
- Dysfunction in social interaction and communications (limited use of verbal language, talks excessively about hyperfocused interest, repeats words, takes things too literally)
- Imagination, ideas/creativity: difficulties with imagination and future-seeing, cannot read between l ines and struggle to think creatively.
- Narrow range of interests, routines, repetitive behaviors.
- Gestures and noverbal communications: unsual eye contact, flat tone, lack of emotional gestures.
- Unusual sensory responses.
What are common ADHD symptoms in children?
Taking long time to complete assignments
Trouble staying on task
Difficulty sitting still.
What are common ADHD symptoms in adults?
Trouble listening during conversations
Becoming bored easily
Taking long time to complete work-related tasks
What can childhood hyperactivity develop into?
Restlessness in adulthood
What can physical impulsivity develop into?
Verbal impulsivity in adulthood.
What is stimming?
Fidgeting/abnormal movements or behavior used as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or situations.
What is masking?
Hiding autistic traits to appear more neurotypical.
What is echolalia?
Echoing someone’s words.
What is dyspraxia?
Dysfunction in movement and coordination
What is a major sign of autism in girls?
Difficulty with social communication (increased with age)
What is the cause of autism?
Unknown, may be related to certain environmental toxins, some prenatal prescription drugs, strong genetic components.
What are the neurobiological differences in autistic brains compared to neurotypical brains?
Short-range over-connectivity and long-range under-connectivity; leads to lack of “big picture” thinking and hyper focusing on specific details.
Larger hippocampus
Larger/smaller amygdala
Differences in cortical thickness
What percentage of autistic adults are unemployed?
50-75%
What is comorbid with autism?
PTSD, anxiety, agoraphobia.
What is the life expectancy for autistic adults?
Less than 40 years, due to high rates of depression and suicide.
What is the comorbidity rate between autism and ADHD?
60%
What are possible treatment options for autistic people?
Acceptance and tolerance of neurodiversity, unlearning masking behavior, communication boards for non-verbal individuals, service dogs.
Deep pressure therapy
Crowd control
Constant companion.
