Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Question 1

What are neurodevelopmental disorders?

Answer 1

Conditions that develop at early stages of development.

Question 2

What are the three main conditions of neurodevelopmental disorders?

Answer 2

1. Intellectual disability 2. Autism spectrum disorder 3. Specific learning difficulties.

Question 3

What characterizes intellectual disability?

Answer 3

Deficits in intellectual functioning and adaptive functioning, with an IQ less than 70.

Question 4

What is the prevalence of intellectual disability?

Answer 4

1-5%.

Question 5

What are some prenatal causes of intellectual disability?

Answer 5

Chromosomal issues (e.g., Down syndrome), genetic factors (e.g., fragile X), biomedical factors (e.g., bacterial meningitis), and environmental factors (e.g., asphyxia).

Question 6

What are some postnatal causes of intellectual disability?

Answer 6

Biomedical (e.g., meningitis), environmental (e.g., head injury), and psychosocial (e.g., child abuse).

Question 7

What does autism impact?

Answer 7

How individuals communicate, learn, and interact with each other.

Question 8

What are some differences in social interactions for individuals with autism?

Answer 8

Echolalia, not understanding or using gestures, and inappropriate facial expressions.

Question 9

What are characteristics of restricted interests and repetitive behavior in autism?

Answer 9

Interest in specific areas and insistence on sameness.

Question 10

What are some biological factors associated with autism?

Answer 10

Genetics (monozygotic twin concordance of 88%) and brain structure differences.

Question 11

What cognitive factors are implicated in autism?

Answer 11

Issues with executive functioning.

Question 12

What is the theory of mind in relation to autism?

Answer 12

Autistic individuals have difficulties putting themselves in someone else’s shoes.

Question 13

What is the evidence regarding the MMR vaccine and autism?

Answer 13

Limited evidence claims of a link are discredited.

Question 14

What are the two categories of specific learning disabilities?

Answer 14

Learning disorders and communication disorders.

Question 15

What is dyslexia?

Answer 15

A learning disorder characterized by poor spelling and slow reading.

Question 16

What are some causes of dyslexia?

Answer 16

Genetic factors - high concordance in MZ
phonological theory - difficulty associating sounds of words with written letters

Question 17

What are communication disorders?

Answer 17

Language disorders such as stuttering and repetition of sounds.

Question 18

What causes communication disorders?

Answer 18

Physical differences, genetic factors (heritability of 70%), and emotional factors related to anxiety.

Question 19

What is the gold-standard assessment for autism?

Answer 19

Parent interview, observation of social-communication skills, and physical examination.

Question 20

What does the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule assess?

Answer 20

Communication, social interaction, play, and repetitive behavior.

Question 21

What are the goals of intervention for neurodevelopmental conditions?

Answer 21

Reduction of risk factors, support for behavior and skills development, and mental health support.

Question 22

What skills are developed to support individuals with intellectual disabilities?

Answer 22

Communication skills, living skills, feeding and dressing, and toilet training.

Question 23

What are visual schedules used for?

Answer 23

To help communicate when attention, food, or preferred items will be available.

Question 24

What does communication-focused intervention involve?

Answer 24

Working with parents to develop communication skills using video feedback.

Question 25

What is the skill development approach?

Answer 25

Upskilling individuals and providing resources for daily activities and engagement.

Question 26

What are inclusion strategies for individuals with intellectual disabilities?

Answer 26

Shifting from institutionalized care to community-based approaches.

Question 27

What support is provided for transitions to university for autistic youth?

Answer 27

Summer autistic school with lectures, education, and social opportunities.

Question 28

What percentage of individuals with intellectual disabilities show challenging behavior?

Answer 28

10-20%.

Question 29

What is pharmacotherapy used for in neurodevelopmental conditions?

Answer 29

Prescribed for challenging behavior, often involving antipsychotics.

Question 30

What are some side effects associated with antipsychotics?

Answer 30

Weight gain, fatigue, and drowsiness.

Question 31

What do operant reinforcement models explain? in neurodevelopmental disorders

Answer 31

They explain the learning association between behavior and consequences.

Question 32

What is the purpose of teaching replacement behaviors?

Answer 32

To manage challenging behavior through assessment and intervention.

Question 33

What is parent-led intervention for behavior management?

Answer 33

Effective for autistic children, aiming to decrease disruptive behavior and increase positive behavior.

Question 34

What is the mental health risk for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions?

Answer 34

Higher risk of mental health problems.

Question 35

What mental health conditions are prevalent in individuals with autism?

Answer 35

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent.

Question 36

What modifications are made for adapted CBT for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions?

Answer 36

Concrete examples, slower pace, and clear goals.

Question 37

What is a common presentation of anxiety in autistic children?

Answer 37

Linked to changes in routine and specific phobias.