Domain A: Autism Spectrum Disorder Basics

Question 1

DSM-V Relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder

Answer 1

Five “Autism” Disorders
Autistic Disorder
Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS)
Asperger’s Syndrome
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Rett Syndrome (not included in ASD, removed and now recognized as medical disorder)

Under DSM-V, these individuals are now diagnosed with ASD and assigned a level of severity from 1-3

Question 2

CDC Risk Factors and Comorbidities Related to Autism Spectrum Disorder

Answer 2

No known single cause of ASD

Complex relationship between genetics and environment

Question 3

Possible Causes of ASD

Answer 3

Genetic disorders that result in hormonal imbalances, difficulties processing certain compounds, metabolic disorders, etc.

Abnormalities in brain structure

Exposure to high levels of testosterone, viral infections, chemicals, etc.

Question 4

Risk Factors (Of causing ASD)

Answer 4

Older father

History of ASD or other mental disorders in the family

Mother had viral infection or diabetes during gestation

Exposure to pollution, pesticides, and or anti-depressants in utero

History of autoimmune disorders and/or seizures

Question 5

Prevalence

Answer 5

According to CDC (2016)

1 in 68 children have ASD

1 in 42 boys have ASD

1 in 189 girls have ASD

Question 6

Developmental Milestones

Answer 6

Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, waving “bye bye”

Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move (crawling, walking, etc.)

When children are not meeting milestones they may need evaluation, assessments, intervention, or potential diagnosis

Question 7

Autism Diagnostic Process

Answer 7

Behavioral (excess), Social (deficits), Communication (deficits)

Question 8

History of Autism

Answer 8

The word Autism was first used to describe a subset of individuals diagnosed with Schizophrenia. This subset of individuals was especially withdrawn. Many individuals who are now diagnosed with ASD were previously labeled as Mentally Retarded (now Intellectually Disabled) and or/ Emotionally Disturbed

Question 9

1943

Answer 9

Leo Kanner coined the term early infantile autism
described a subgroup of children diagnosed with Schizophrenia who had a strong desire to be alone, and a need from sameness.

Question 10

1944

Answer 10

Hans Asperger described Asperger’s Syndrome
Strong language skills, but deficits in social interaction
at face value a milder form of autism, but can be just as detrimental to quality of life

“Little Professors” due to extensive knowledge of one subject

Question 11

1987

Answer 11

DSM-IV included Autistic Disorder as a separate diagnosis with expansive definition

Question 12

1994

Answer 12

Aspergers Syndrome added to DSM-IV to include milder cases

Question 13

2013

Answer 13

DSM-V combined several diagnoses into Autism Spectrum Disorder

Question 14

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Answer 14

Autism is a neurological, lifelong, developmental disorder

Delays in social skills and communication (Deficits)

Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors (Excesses)

Impacts ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life

Question 15

Why is Autism a Spectrum Disorder?

Answer 15

No two individuals with ASD are the same

Skills may be splintered across domains

Different areas may be impacted to varying degrees

Some may have more challenging behaviors than others

Question 16

The Triad of Impairments

Answer 16

Three areas of impairment that all individuals with ASD share

Social Communication

Social Interaction

Social Imagination

Question 17

Common Characteristics of ASD

Answer 17

Social communication deficits

Lack of eye contact, withdrawn or aloof, voice volume too loud or too soft, difficult responding to and initiating interactions, etc.

Restricted and repetitive behavior

Echolalia, rigid adherence to rules and schedules, hand flapping, need for sameness, restricted interests (only talks about trains etc.)

Question 18

Biomedical Approaches to Treating ASD

Answer 18

1. Behavior Communication Approaches
   ABA, OT, SLP, etc. ABA is widely accepted as the treatment of choices for individuals with ASD
2. Dietary Approaches
   These include gluten-free and/or casein- free diets, etc.
   Many of these approaches do not have scientific evidence to support
   effectiveness.
3. Medication
   Both antipsychotics and mood stabilizers are used off label for
   individuals with ASD
   These medications do not sure ASD, but rather mitigate high energy
   levels, distractibility, mood swings, etc.
4. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
   Chelation, acupuncture, yoga, deep pressure, grounding mats, DAN,
   doctors, etc.
   Many of these treatments are controversial and can be harmful.