MIDTERMS: Autisim

Question 1

developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It includes conditions like autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome.

Answer 1

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Question 2

What are the core features of ASD?

Answer 2

Problems with social interaction.
Impaired verbal and nonverbal communication.
Repetitive behaviors and narrowed interests.
Begins in early childhood, with symptoms appearing between 12-18 months and behavior characteristics evident by age 3.

Question 3

What are the main characteristics of Rett Disorder?

Answer 3

Common in females.
Repetitive hand movements.
Prone to gastrointestinal disorders and seizures (80%).
Regression of skills between 6-18 months.

Question 3

What are the potential causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Answer 3

Genetic: No single gene, with a 3-8% chance of recurrence in siblings.
Environmental: Immunological, infections, metabolic factors, and exposure to toxins.

Question 3

What are the disorders included under Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD)?

Answer 3

Autism (Kanner Syndrome).
Asperger Syndrome.
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.
Rett Disorder.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).

Question 3

How does Asperger Syndrome differ from Autism?

Answer 3

In Asperger Syndrome, cognitive development and language skills are preserved, whereas autism often involves delayed or absent communication and more profound social interaction difficulties.

Question 3

What are the differential diagnoses for autism?

Answer 3

Autism (Kanner Syndrome).
Asperger Syndrome.
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.
Rett Disorder.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).

Question 3

What are the treatment strategies for managing ASD?

Answer 3

Behavioral: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Educational: Tailored education plan with peer integration.
Biomedical: Symptom management through medication.
Therapies: PT, OT, speech therapy, sensory integration, art/music/animal therapy.
Social-relational: Floor Time and Social Stories.

Question 3

What are the major characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Answer 3

Failure to develop normal socialization.
Delayed language and physical skills development.
Abnormal relationships with objects and events.
Unusual responses to sensory stimuli.
Low threshold for sensory input.
Developmental delays, self-injury behaviors, and avoidance of eye contact.

Question 4

What are the common signs and symptoms of impaired social interaction in ASD?

Answer 4

Impaired reciprocal social interaction.
Poor use of body language and nonverbal communication.
Lack of awareness of others’ feelings and emotional expressions.
Preferring to be alone, avoiding cuddling.
Difficulty making peer friendships.
Lack or abnormal social play.
Not responding to verbal cues.

Question 4

What are the common restricted interests and repetitive behaviors in ASD?

Answer 4

Insisting on routines and resisting change.
Ritualistic or compulsive behaviors.
Repetitive body movements or abnormal postures.
Preoccupation with parts of objects or repetitive movements.
Narrow and restricted interests.

Question 4

What associated behaviors and features are seen in children with ASD?

Answer 4

75% have low average IQ, 25% have average or above-average IQ.
Seizures (25-35%), often peaking in early childhood or adolescence.
Aggressive or self-injurious behavior.
Short attention span, underactivity or overactivity.
Abnormal responses to sensory stimuli and unusual sleeping/eating habits.
Flat affect, emotionally labile, or outward anxiety.

Question 4

What medical evaluations are used in diagnosing ASD?

Answer 4

Observation of behavior.
Screening tests like the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (18 months to 4 years) and Autism Screening Questionnaire (4 years and older).
Comprehensive evaluation includes medical/family history, audiology, MRI, EEG, genetic/metabolic tests, speech/language assessment, and cognitive/behavioral evaluation.

Question 4

What are the key signs of impaired communication in ASD?

Answer 4

Delayed or absent spoken language development.
Abnormal speech content or quality.
Difficulty expressing needs or sustaining conversation.
Echolalia (repeating others’ words).
Odd prosody, pronoun reversal, and nonsense rhyming.
Absent or poorly developed imaginary play.

Question 4

What are the diagnostic criteria for ASD?

Answer 4

ASD diagnosis requires at least 6 criteria from three areas:

Impairment in social interaction (at least 2), e.g., marked nonverbal behavior impairment, lack of peer relationships, lack of social reciprocity.
Impairment in communication (at least 1), e.g., delay in spoken language, difficulty initiating conversations, stereotyped language.
Restricted behaviors and interests (at least 1), e.g., rigid routines, repetitive body movements.

Question 4

When should parents seek medical consultation for possible ASD?

Answer 4

If a child has not babbled or cooed by age 1.
Not gestured (pointed/waved) by age 1.
Not spoken a single word by 16 months.
Not spoken a two-word phrase by age 2.
Any loss of language or social skills at any age.

Question 4

Which medications are commonly used for ASD symptoms?

Answer 4

Antipsychotics (e.g., Risperidone, Olanzapine, Aripiprazole): Reduce hyperactivity, aggression, and self-injurious behaviors.
Antidepressants (SSRIs) (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline): Help with repetitive behaviors, depression, and irritability.
Stimulants (e.g., Methylphenidate, Adderall): Increase focus and reduce impulsivity.
Nonstimulants (e.g., Atomoxetine, Guanfacine): Help with focus and impulse control.