Developmental Disorders : Guest Lecture

Question 1

Is it true that only males have autism?

Answer 1

No.

Question 2

Is it true that autism can only be diagnosed in childhood?

Answer 2

No.

Question 3

Is it true that autism can be cured?

Answer 3

No.

Question 4

What form of language is preferable used in addressing autistic people?

Answer 4

Identity-First language:
“Autistic people” not “Person with autism”

for whatever fucking reason it matters i guess

Question 5

What is the basis of the neurodiversity paradigm?

Answer 5

Disability and neurodivergence is normal and natural and neurodiversity is valuable; there is no one “right” kind of brain.

Question 6

What are the outdated theories on autism?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Is CBT an effective form of treatment for autistic people?

Answer 7

No, many say it makes their symptoms worse.

Question 8

What are the five signs of autism?

Answer 8

1. Dysfunction in social interaction and communications (limited use of verbal language, talks excessively about hyperfocused interest, repeats words, takes things too literally)
2. Imagination, ideas/creativity: difficulties with imagination and future-seeing, cannot read between l ines and struggle to think creatively.
3. Narrow range of interests, routines, repetitive behaviors.
4. Gestures and noverbal communications: unsual eye contact, flat tone, lack of emotional gestures.
5. Unusual sensory responses.

Question 9

What are common ADHD symptoms in children?

Answer 9

Taking long time to complete assignments
Trouble staying on task
Difficulty sitting still.

Question 10

What are common ADHD symptoms in adults?

Answer 10

Trouble listening during conversations
Becoming bored easily
Taking long time to complete work-related tasks

Question 11

What can childhood hyperactivity develop into?

Answer 11

Restlessness in adulthood

Question 12

What can physical impulsivity develop into?

Answer 12

Verbal impulsivity in adulthood.

Question 13

What is stimming?

Answer 13

Fidgeting/abnormal movements or behavior used as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or situations.

Question 14

What is masking?

Answer 14

Hiding autistic traits to appear more neurotypical.

Question 15

What is echolalia?

Answer 15

Echoing someone’s words.

Question 16

What is dyspraxia?

Answer 16

Dysfunction in movement and coordination

Question 17

What is a major sign of autism in girls?

Answer 17

Difficulty with social communication (increased with age)

Question 18

What is the cause of autism?

Answer 18

Unknown, may be related to certain environmental toxins, some prenatal prescription drugs, strong genetic components.

Question 19

What are the neurobiological differences in autistic brains compared to neurotypical brains?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

What percentage of autistic adults are unemployed?

Answer 20

50-75%

Question 21

What is comorbid with autism?

Answer 21

PTSD, anxiety, agoraphobia.

Question 22

What is the life expectancy for autistic adults?

Answer 22

Less than 40 years, due to high rates of depression and suicide.

Question 23

What is the comorbidity rate between autism and ADHD?

Answer 23

60%

Question 24

What are possible treatment options for autistic people?

Answer 24

Acceptance and tolerance of neurodiversity, unlearning masking behavior, communication boards for non-verbal individuals, service dogs.

Deep pressure therapy
Crowd control
Constant companion.