Lecture 14 - Autism (Part 1) Flashcards
Three levels of analysis of Autism
- Behavioral
- Biological/Environmental
- Cognitive
Autism is a…
…spectrum syndrome
Lower functioning = 3:1 male
Higher functioning = 10:1 male
Diagnosis at a behavioral level
Wide variety of specific symptoms, specific manifestation depends on level of functioning, diagnosed by the presence of a core set of features
‘Triad of impairments’ (core diagnosis)
Communication
Social interaction
Repetitive behaviors and interactions/leisure or play activities
Features of autism not part of diagnosis
Motor stereotypical behavior (rocking, hand flapping, etc.) - often seen in developmental delays
‘Sevant’ abilities
Diagnosis
Often later than ideal (3+ years)
Early diagnosis is important for early interventions. Cues often language related. Use of checklist/video examples.
Estimates of prevalence of autism
1 in 2500 live births (late 70s)
1 in 88 (recent) - diagnosis criteria and symptom definitions have changed
DSM III
6 mandatory criteria in 2 categories
Pervasive lack of responsiveness to others
Gross deficits in language development
Bizarre responses to various aspects of the environment
DSM IV
16 optional criteria (1/2 need to be met) in 5 categories
Includes milder variants
Lack of spontaneous seeking to share achievements with others, difficulty sustaining conversations, persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
Early assumed causes of autism
Social environment
ex. Refrigerator mother
Recent assumed causes of autism
Vaccines
Recent evidence supports what cause of autism
predisposing cause at a biological level
ex. Identical twins more likely to both have autism (if one does) than fraternal twins
What might be the environmental triggers for autism?
Prenatal maternal viral infection (Rubella), Prenatal exposure to toxic agents (Thalidamide)
