Lecture 7 - Causes of ASD

Question 1

What is the concept of a ‘fractionable triad’ (Happe and Ronald)

Answer 1

Aspects of the traid should hold together. But perhaps, different aspects of the triad have different aetiologies, with independent genes and cognitions, acting on specific parts of the triad.

Question 2

Describe the relation of the prevalence of autism in rare syndromes

Answer 2

In genetic syndromes, there seems to be heightened rates of autism. So is there something going on in the ‘gene coding’ that is causing these individuals to have symptoms and diagnoses of ASD.

Even if we cannot find a cause gene, we can find a vulnerability gene, that shows which individuals may go on to develop impairments like that seen in autism.

Question 3

What did Richards et al find relating to rare genetic syndrome

Answer 3

Rates of autism are significantly higher in these rare syndromes, compared to the general population and idiopathic (basic, no genetic cause) autism.

There is therefore, something in the genetic makeup of these individuals, that changes their cognitions and behaviour to make them look a lot like an individual with autism.

The genes that cause these rare syndromes, may also be involved in autism.

Question 4

What did Moss et al (2013) want to do

Answer 4

Wanted to see if the profile of ASD remained the same in individuals with other rare genetic syndromes

Question 5

Findings of Moss et al (2013)

Answer 5

• The autism in fragile X is similar to that in idiopathic autism
• The presentation of autism in CDLS, still had the triad of impairments, but had less repetitive behaviours - the triad may not always hang together and be impaired in the same amount

Question 6

What must we be considering when looking at the diagnosis of Autism according to the NICE guidelines

Answer 6

We must look into other MH and behavioural studies that the child might have:

• ADHD
• Mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Attachment disorders
• OCD
• Psychosis