Week 10: Childhood Disorders

Question 1

the areas of dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Answer 1

2 areas/levels:

1) Social skills
- problems with social reciprocity (back and forth)
- problems with verbal communication
- struggle with social relationships
2) restrictive, repetitive behaviours and activities
- repetitive movements or vocalizations
- insistence on sameness
- sensory differences

Question 2

what are the two big players in overall functioning

Answer 2

1) intellectual ability

2) verbal skills

Question 3

how much does intellectual disabilities co-occur with ASD

Answer 3

about 30% of the time

Question 4

prevalence and causes of ASD

Answer 4

1/66 people
boys outnumber girls 4:1
genetic heritability - in twins: 37%
- sometimes runs in families, but can almost always find someone with social issues or repetitive behaviours in family
ASD is associated with fragile X and Rett syndrome
some environmental factors: in utero exposure to medications, pesticides, seizures, digestive issues, ect

Question 5

What is the main standardized treatment for autism spectrum disorder? Describe what it entails.

Answer 5

applied behavourial analysis: early behavioural intervention. It involves 20-40 hours per week (40 is ideal) using positive reinforcement to increase certain behaviours

• intervention by age 7 is ESSENTIAL
• medication for comorbid problems helps this intervention work better by allowing the child to focus solely on this problem

Question 6

Types of ADHD

Answer 6

Inattentive type
Hyperactive type
Combined type

Question 7

the main areas of difficulty in ADHD

Answer 7

2 main areas

(1) inattention
(2) hyperactivity/ Impulsivity

Question 8

What does it take to be diagnosed with ADHD in each subtype

Answer 8

6 symptoms of inattention for inattentive ADHD subtype
6 symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity for hyperactivity subtype
and 6 of BOTH hyperactivity and inattention for combined subtype of ADHD

Question 9

prevalence and causes of ADHD

Answer 9

7-12% of school-aged population
ADHD is second most prevalent children’ mental disorder
2-4% girls
6-9% boys
(6:1 boys to girls assessed and referred)

Question 10

etiology of ADHD

Answer 10

strong genetic component - 80%
reduced dopamine activity (probs why rewards sytemsd don’t work well with these kids)
reduced blood flow to frontal regions (why emds are stimulants)

Question 11

Treatment of ADHD

Answer 11

best: combination of medication and parent behaviour management training

• medication:
  first line: stimulants
  second line: non-stimulants (dont work as well but necessary for kids with anxiety as well)