Week 10 - Disorders of childhood Flashcards
According to the Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, what proportion of 4–17-year-olds met criteria for a mental disorder?
a) Approximately 10 percent
b) Approximately 13 percent
c) Approximately 15 percent
d) Approximately 25 percent
c) Approximately 15 percent
According to worldwide rates, what percentage of children and adolescents are affected by some form of mental disorder?
a) Approximately 5 percent
b) Approximately 10 percent
c) Approximately 13 percent
d) Approximately 20 percent
c) Approximately 13 percent
Based on the study among New Zealand secondary school students, which gender reported higher clinical levels of depression and serious thoughts about suicide?
a) Boys
b) Girls
c) Both genders equally
d) Neither gender
b) Girls
What is the primary focus of research traditionally concerning psychological and behavioral problems in children?
a) Protective factors
b) Risk factors
c) Parenting styles
d) Cultural contexts
b) Risk factors
According to the text, what role do nurturing environments play in child development?
a) They increase the likelihood of toxic events occurring.
b) They decrease the child’s resilience and adaptability.
c) They minimize toxic events, promote necessary skills, and foster psychological flexibility.
d) They focus solely on limiting opportunities for problem behavior.
c) They minimize toxic events, promote necessary skills, and foster psychological flexibility.
What does the ‘dose–response’ relationship refer to in the context of adverse childhood experiences?
a) The number of adverse experiences a child has and the extent of their positive outcomes.
b) The frequency of adverse experiences and their likelihood to be repeated.
c) The greater the number of adverse experiences a child has, the worse their health and mental wellbeing in adulthood.
d) The duration of adverse experiences and their immediate impact on a child’s behavior.
c) The greater the number of adverse experiences a child has, the worse their health and mental wellbeing in adulthood.
What does the differential susceptibility hypothesis suggest about certain genes and environmental effects?
a) Genes associated with mental health problems make individuals less susceptible to environmental effects.
b) Genes increase vulnerability to negative environmental effects but have no impact on positive effects.
c) Genes previously seen as increasing risk operate more like ‘plasticity genes,’ making individuals more susceptible to both positive and negative environmental effects.
d) Genes affect susceptibility only if environmental conditions are extremely negative.
c) Genes previously seen as increasing risk operate more like ‘plasticity genes,’ making individuals more susceptible to both positive and negative environmental effects.
Prior to the twentieth century, how were childhood mental illnesses or behavioral disorders generally perceived?
a) As a result of genetic factors
b) As a consequence of negative spiritual influences
c) As conditions requiring advanced medical treatments
d) As inevitable and unavoidable
b) As a consequence of negative spiritual influences
When did specific childhood diagnoses begin to be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)?
a) DSM-I
b) DSM-II
c) DSM-III
d) DSM-IV
c) DSM-III
What major change did the DSM-5 introduce regarding the categorization of childhood disorders?
a) Introduction of new disorders exclusively for children
b) Removal of the category ‘Disorders Usually First Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood or Adolescence’
c) Combining childhood and adult disorders into one new category
d) Addition of a specific section for childhood disorders
b) Removal of the category ‘Disorders Usually First Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood or Adolescence’
What approach does the DSM-5 use to address childhood disorders?
a) A categorical approach focusing only on childhood conditions
b) A purely diagnostic approach with no consideration of developmental factors
c) A developmental lifespan approach that considers how development affects diagnosis and symptoms
d) A retrospective approach based on historical diagnoses
c) A developmental lifespan approach that considers how development affects diagnosis and symptoms
Which early twentieth-century researchers contributed to the increased interest in child psychopathology?
a) Sigmund Freud, Carl Rogers, and Ivan Pavlov
b) Jean Piaget, Alfred Binet, and Sigmund Freud
c) Erik Erikson, John Bowlby, and Abraham Maslow
d) B.F. Skinner, Melanie Klein, and Lev Vygotsky
b) Jean Piaget, Alfred Binet, and Sigmund Freud
What is the primary focus of the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0-3R)?
a) Diagnosing adult mental health disorders
b) Examining very early difficulties and focusing on parent–infant relationships
c) Addressing only externalising disorders in children
d) Providing a universal diagnostic tool for all age groups
b) Examining very early difficulties and focusing on parent–infant relationships
How do the diagnostic criteria for internalising disorders in children generally compare to those for adults?
a) They are different and more complex for children.
b) They are the same as for adults, with only minor modifications.
c) They are less rigorous than those for adults.
d) They are specifically designed for infants and toddlers.
b) They are the same as for adults, with only minor modifications.
What is one of the main criticisms of the DSM-5 in relation to childhood conditions?
a) It lacks empirical support for its diagnostic criteria.
b) It does not consider the dimensional nature of many childhood conditions.
c) It does not focus on parent–infant relationships.
d) It includes too many categories for childhood disorders.
b) It does not consider the dimensional nature of many childhood conditions.
What approach did developmental psychopathology emphasize when it emerged in the mid-1980s?
a) A static approach to child behavior
b) A lifespan approach combining data from both normal and clinical samples
c) A focus solely on abnormal development
d) An exclusive focus on environmental influences
b) A lifespan approach combining data from both normal and clinical samples
What is the primary characteristic of the disorders classified under the ‘neurodevelopmental disorders’ category in the DSM-5?
a) They emerge during adolescence and affect social functioning.
b) They are characterized by their onset in the early developmental period, often before the child starts school.
c) They primarily affect adults and involve changes in cognitive functioning.
d) They are exclusively related to psychological trauma and stress.
b) They are characterized by their onset in the early developmental period, often before the child starts school.
Which of the following disorders is included in the DSM-5’s ‘neurodevelopmental disorders’ category?
a) Major depressive disorder
b) Schizophrenia
c) Autism spectrum disorder
d) Generalized anxiety disorder
c) Autism spectrum disorder
Which of the following best describes Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
a) A disorder marked by excessive activity and a lack of social skills.
b) A disorder characterized by deficits in attention, controlling impulses, and regulating activity levels.
c) A condition where individuals primarily struggle with social interactions and emotional regulation.
d) A disorder related to memory loss and cognitive decline.
b) A disorder characterized by deficits in attention, controlling impulses, and regulating activity levels.
Which symptoms are associated with inattention in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
a) Fidgeting and excessive movement
b) Difficulty sustaining attention, being easily distracted, and making careless mistakes
c) Impulsivity and blurting out answers
d) Not being able to stay seated and interrupting others
b) Difficulty sustaining attention, being easily distracted, and making careless mistakes
How can ADHD be classified according to the DSM-5?
a) Combined presentation, predominantly inattentive presentation, or predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation
b) Mild, moderate, or severe presentation
c) Externalising or internalising presentation
d) Acute or chronic presentation
a) Combined presentation, predominantly inattentive presentation, or predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation
Why is it important to consider the child’s developmental stage when diagnosing ADHD?
a) Developmental stage affects the ability to focus and restrain impulses, which develop with age
b) It determines the need for medication
c) It influences the severity of hyperactivity and impulsivity
d) It helps in identifying the specific type of ADHD
a) Developmental stage affects the ability to focus and restrain impulses, which develop with age
What gender differences are observed in ADHD symptomatology according to the text?
a) Boys show more intellectual impairments and internalising problems than girls
b) Girls show less hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity, and externalising problems, but more intellectual impairments and internalising problems
c) Boys show less intellectual impairments and more internalising problems than girls
d) There are no significant gender differences in ADHD symptoms
b) Girls show less hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity, and externalising problems, but more intellectual impairments and internalising problems
What did the meta-analysis by Polanczyk et al. (2014) reveal about the variability in ADHD prevalence rates?
a) Variability in prevalence rates is due to genetic factors.
b) There has been a significant increase in ADHD rates over time.
c) Variability in prevalence rates is largely due to methodological features of the studies.
d) Prevalence rates vary significantly between different age groups.
c) Variability in prevalence rates is largely due to methodological features of the studies.
According to the meta-analysis by Thomas et al. (2015), what is the pooled prevalence estimate of ADHD across populations?
a) 3.5%
b) 5.0%
c) 7.2%
d) 9.8%
c) 7.2%
Which of the following is a symptom of ADHD in adults that differs from the typical symptoms seen in children?
a) Difficulty staying seated and fidgeting
b) Having difficulty completing mundane tasks and procrastination
c) Difficulty sustaining attention over time
d) Impulsivity and blurting out answers
b) Having difficulty completing mundane tasks and procrastination
What is a common comorbid condition with ADHD mentioned in the text?
a) Major depressive disorder
b) Generalized anxiety disorder
c) Oppositional defiant disorder
d) Autism spectrum disorder
c) Oppositional defiant disorder
When does ADHD usually begin, and how does it generally change with age?
a) ADHD usually begins in adolescence and worsens with age.
b) ADHD usually begins in early childhood and tends to diminish with increasing age, but symptoms can continue into adulthood.
c) ADHD usually begins in early childhood and remains stable throughout life.
d) ADHD begins in early adulthood and shows significant improvement over time.
b) ADHD usually begins in early childhood and tends to diminish with increasing age, but symptoms can continue into adulthood.
What concern is expressed by international scientists regarding media portrayals of ADHD?
a) Media reports are too supportive of ADHD and its treatments.
b) Media reports often inaccurately portray ADHD, potentially leading people to believe it is not a real disorder.
c) Media reports are primarily focused on the effectiveness of ADHD medications.
d) Media reports emphasize the genetic causes of ADHD.
b) Media reports often inaccurately portray ADHD, potentially leading people to believe it is not a real disorder.
According to the international consensus statement, why might inaccurate media portrayals of ADHD be harmful?
a) They might lead to increased medication costs for families.
b) They could cause sufferers to avoid seeking treatment and undermine the legitimacy of the disorder.
c) They may cause a reduction in ADHD research funding.
d) They might improve public understanding of ADHD.
b) They could cause sufferers to avoid seeking treatment and undermine the legitimacy of the disorder.
What is the position of major medical associations and government health agencies regarding ADHD, according to the international consensus statement?
a) ADHD is considered a myth with no scientific support.
b) ADHD is acknowledged as a genuine disorder supported by overwhelming scientific evidence.
c) ADHD is a minor condition that does not require medical attention.
d) ADHD is only recognized in certain countries and not internationally.
b) ADHD is acknowledged as a genuine disorder supported by overwhelming scientific evidence.
What is suggested as a key factor underlying ADHD according to the research mentioned?
a) Neuropsychological impairment
b) Diet and nutrition
c) Lack of parental involvement
d) Environmental stressors
a) Neuropsychological impairment
What do executive functions encompass in the context of ADHD?
a) The ability to recall past events and emotional experiences
b) Skills related to goal-setting, planning, and monitoring behavior
c) Proficiency in visual and auditory processing tasks
d) Understanding and interpreting social cues and emotions
b) Skills related to goal-setting, planning, and monitoring behavior
How do executive function deficits in children with ADHD compare to those with conduct disorder?
a) Executive function deficits are found to be more severe in children with conduct disorder.
b) Executive function deficits are specific to ADHD and not observed in children with conduct disorder.
c) Executive function deficits are equally prevalent in both ADHD and conduct disorder.
d) Children with conduct disorder show less impairment in executive functions compared to children with ADHD.
b) Executive function deficits are specific to ADHD and not observed in children with conduct disorder.
Which of the following cognitive tests are commonly used to assess executive functions in children with ADHD?
a) Tests measuring emotional intelligence
b) Tests evaluating language development
c) Tests assessing goal-setting, planning, and monitoring behavior
d) Tests of sensory processing
c) Tests assessing goal-setting, planning, and monitoring behavior
What does Brown (2006) suggest is a key issue for individuals with ADHD regarding executive functions?
a) They have difficulty performing complex calculations.
b) They struggle with initiating and stopping behaviors as required by the task.
c) They lack the ability to engage in multitasking effectively.
d) They show persistent problems with understanding abstract concepts.
b) They struggle with initiating and stopping behaviors as required by the task
Which cognitive tests are commonly used to assess executive functions in children with ADHD?
a) Stop task, Trailmaking, Mazes
b) IQ test, Memory recall, Spatial reasoning
c) Personality inventory, Emotional regulation scale, Behavior observation
d) Reaction time test, Visual acuity test, Verbal fluency test
a) Stop task, Trailmaking, Mazes
What is the primary purpose of the Stop task in assessing executive functions?
a) To measure a child’s speed of processing visual stimuli
b) To evaluate how well a child can inhibit a pre-planned response upon receiving a signal
c) To assess a child’s ability to connect sequentially ordered letters
d) To determine a child’s planning ability through maze navigation
b) To evaluate how well a child can inhibit a pre-planned response upon receiving a signal
In the Trails B version of the Trailmaking task, what cognitive ability is specifically measured?
a) Speed of processing simple sequences
b) Ability to inhibit responses based on signals
c) Ability to shift between different types of sequences (letters and numbers)
d) Skill in drawing a line through a maze without errors
c) Ability to shift between different types of sequences (letters and numbers)
How does Trails A differ from Trails B in the Trailmaking task?
a) Trails A involves alternating between letters and numbers, while Trails B involves connecting letters in sequence.
b) Trails A measures the child’s speed of processing, while Trails B measures the ability to shift between tasks.
c) Trails A evaluates planning ability, while Trails B assesses inhibition control.
d) Trails A includes a maze-solving component, whereas Trails B involves simple key-pressing tasks.
b) Trails A measures the child’s speed of processing, while Trails B measures the ability to shift between tasks.
What cognitive ability is primarily assessed by the Mazes task?
a) Speed of visual processing
b) Ability to alternate between tasks
c) Planning ability and the use of foresight to choose appropriate options
d) Inhibition control in response to external signals
c) Planning ability and the use of foresight to choose appropriate options
What underlying family and parenting variables contribute to oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and ADHD?
a) High levels of parental warmth and consistency
b) Strong biological factors with minimal environmental influence
c) Parental inconsistency and lack of involvement
d) Consistent academic support and discipline
c) Parental inconsistency and lack of involvement
According to research, what approach tends to be more effective in managing ADHD?
a) Interventions focusing solely on biological factors
b) Interventions targeting only academic skills
c) Interventions that address both biological and parenting factors
d) Interventions emphasizing peer relationships alone
c) Interventions that address both biological and parenting factors
What dietary approach is associated with treating symptoms of hyperactivity in children with ADHD?
a) The Mediterranean diet
b) The Feingold diet
c) The ketogenic diet
d) The low-carb diet
b) The Feingold diet
(the Feingold diet is a food-elimination
program developed by the paediatrician Benjamin Feingold to treat symptoms of hyperactivity.
The diet consists of eliminating a number of artificial colours and flavours, aspartame (an artificial
sweetener), some preservatives and certain salicylates (found in a wide range of foods and beverages).
What did a recent meta-analysis find regarding dietary interventions for ADHD?
a) There is substantial support for dietary interventions with large effects
b) Artificial food color exclusion diets and fatty acid supplementation have some support, but effects are generally small
c) Dietary interventions have no support or effects on ADHD symptoms
d) All dietary interventions for ADHD have proven to be ineffective
b) Artificial food color exclusion diets and fatty acid supplementation have some support, but effects are generally small
According to research, what is the general conclusion about the impact of artificial food colorings and preservatives on ADHD symptoms?
a) They have a significant impact on ADHD symptoms, as shown by clinical assessments
b) They have no specific effect on ADHD symptoms based on objective clinical assessments
c) They are proven to improve ADHD symptoms significantly
d) They are the sole cause of ADHD symptoms in children
b) They have no specific effect on ADHD symptoms based on objective clinical assessments
What type of medication is commonly used in the treatment of ADHD?
a) Antidepressants
b) Antipsychotics
c) Psychostimulants
d) Antianxiety medications
c) Psychostimulants
What has research found about the effectiveness of stimulant medications like Ritalin and Dexedrine for ADHD?
a) They are ineffective in treating ADHD symptoms.
b) They increase the availability of serotonin but have little impact on ADHD symptoms.
c) They increase the availability of dopamine and have been found effective in reducing overactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
d) They are only effective for improving academic performance, not other ADHD symptoms.
c) They increase the availability of dopamine and have been found effective in reducing overactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
According to prevailing opinions, how should medication be used in the treatment of ADHD?
a) Medication should be used alone without any additional interventions.
b) Medication should be used only in combination with psychosocial treatments, such as behavioral parenting and classroom management.
c) Medication should be used only in combination with alternative medicine practices.
d) Medication is not recommended for children with ADHD.
b) Medication should be used only in combination with psychosocial treatments, such as behavioral parenting and classroom management.
What is the primary criterion for diagnosing a specific learning disorder in a child?
a) The child’s academic achievement is below what is expected given their chronological age and is not due to intellectual disability.
b) The child’s academic achievement is above what is expected for their chronological age.
c) The child shows symptoms of ADHD but their academic performance is average.
d) The child has a physical disability that affects their academic performance.
a) The child’s academic achievement is below what is expected given their chronological age and is not due to intellectual disability.
Which subtype of specific learning disorder is the most common?
a) Written expression
b) Mathematics
c) Reading
d) Social skills
c) Reading
What is a reading disorder?
a) A learning disorder involving deficits in reading ability.
b) A condition characterized by general developmental delays affecting multiple cognitive domains.
c) A behavioral issue stemming from poor educational access and social opportunities.
d) An emotional or psychological disorder that impacts a child’s ability to engage in reading activities.
a) A learning disorder involving deficits in reading ability.
What must be ruled out for a diagnosis of reading disorder?
a) General developmental disability, intellectual disability, sensory impairment, and lack of access to appropriate education or sociocultural opportunities.
b) ADHD, anxiety disorders, and sensory processing disorders.
c) Social skills deficits and emotional disturbances.
d) Physical disabilities and learning disabilities in other areas.
a) General developmental disability, intellectual disability, sensory impairment, and lack of access to appropriate education or sociocultural opportunities.
What is the prevalence rate of reading disorder in children?
a) 1–3 percent
b) 4–7 percent
c) 8–12 percent
d) 15–20 percent
b) 4–7 percent
According to the study by Smart, Sanson, and Prior (1996), what did they find regarding the stability of reading disorder in 7–8-year-old children over a two-year period?
a) High rates of spontaneous recovery.
b) Significant improvement with standard educational interventions.
c) Little evidence of spontaneous recovery.
d) Complete resolution of symptoms without intervention.
Answer: c) Little evidence of spontaneous recovery.
c) Little evidence of spontaneous recovery.
What is the degree of comorbidity between reading disorder and ADHD?
a) 5 to 10 percent
b) 10 to 20 percent
c) 15 to 45 percent
d) 50 to 75 percent
c) 15 to 45 percent
What defines a specific learning disorder?
a) A disorder characterized by lower than expected performance in a particular area of learning relative to the child’s chronological age and intellectual ability.
b) A condition where a child has generalized developmental delays across multiple domains.
c) A behavioral disorder where performance issues are primarily due to environmental factors rather than individual cognitive abilities.
d) An emotional disturbance leading to difficulties in achieving expected academic performance.
a) A disorder characterized by lower than expected performance in a particular area of learning relative to the child’s chronological age and intellectual ability.
What percentage probability is there that a boy will have a reading disability if his father had a reading disability?
a) 30%
b) 40%
c) 50%
d) 60%
c) 50%
Which cognitive deficits have been suggested to contribute to the development of reading disorder?
a) General cognitive ability and language skills
b) Phonological awareness, working memory, and speed of processing written language
c) Emotional and behavioral regulation
d) Sensory impairments and lack of educational access
b) Phonological awareness, working memory, and speed of processing written language
According to research, what aspect of reading disorder treatment has been found to lead to significantly improved outcomes?
a) General cognitive skills training
b) Behavioral interventions and counseling
c) Phonological approaches (i.e., sounding out words)
d) Medication and neuropsychological therapy
c) Phonological approaches (i.e., sounding out words)
What major change did the DSM-5 introduce regarding the classification of autism spectrum disorders?
a) It separated autism into multiple distinct disorders.
b) It merged previously separate disorders into a single category.
c) It removed autism spectrum disorders from the DSM altogether.
d) It added new diagnostic criteria unrelated to previous disorders.
b) It merged previously separate disorders into a single category.
(DSM-5 consolidated four previously separate disorders (autistic
disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental
disorder not otherwise specified) into a single disorder, labelled autism spectrum disorder).
Which of the following characteristics is not specifically mentioned as a hallmark of autism spectrum disorder in the DSM-5?
a) Marked impairments in social communication
b) Repetitive behaviours, interests, and activities
c) Significant deficits in verbal intelligence
d) Difficulties in social interaction
c) Significant deficits in verbal intelligence
Which of the following is a characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to the DSM-5?
a) Impairments in social communication and interaction as well as repetitive behaviours, interests and activities
b) Severe physical disabilities
c) High levels of verbal intelligence
d) Frequent mood swings
a) Impairments in social communication and interaction as well as repetitive behaviours, interests and activities
How are the severity levels of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) classified in the DSM-5?
a) Mild, Moderate, Severe: Based on the overall impact on daily functioning.
b) High, Medium, Low: Determined by the intensity of social and communication deficits.
c) Level 1, Level 2, Level 3: Reflecting the required level of support, ranging from minimal to substantial.
d) Emergent, Moderate, Advanced: Based on developmental stages and treatment progress.
c) Level 1, Level 2, Level 3: Reflecting the required level of support, ranging from minimal to substantial.
What are the characteristics of Level 3 autism spectrum disorder as defined in the DSM-5?
a) Requiring very substantial support: Severe deficits in social communication and interaction, with minimal initiation or response to social approaches. Extreme inflexibility of behavior and repetitive behaviors that significantly impair functioning in all areas.
b) Requiring moderate support: Marked deficits in social communication with some difficulty initiating and responding to social interactions. Noticeable inflexibility and repetitive behaviors that impact daily functioning.
c) Requiring minimal support: Mild deficits in social communication and some difficulties with social interactions. Limited inflexibility and repetitive behaviors that cause slight disruptions in functioning.
d) Requiring no support: No significant deficits in social communication; minimal inflexibility and repetitive behaviors that do not affect functioning.
a) Requiring very substantial support: Severe deficits in social communication and interaction, with minimal initiation or response to social approaches. Extreme inflexibility of behavior and repetitive behaviors that significantly impair functioning in all areas.
What are the characteristics of Level 2 autism spectrum disorder as defined in the DSM-5?
a) Requiring substantial support: Marked deficits in verbal and non-verbal social communication skills, noticeable even with supports in place; limited initiation of social interactions, with reduced or abnormal responses to social overtures. Frequent inflexibility of behavior and repetitive behaviors that interfere with functioning across various contexts.
b) Requiring minimal support: Mild deficits in social communication with some difficulty initiating and responding to social interactions. Inflexibility and repetitive behaviors present but not significantly impacting daily functioning.
c) Requiring no support: No significant deficits in social communication or behavior; interactions are generally appropriate and functioning is not affected.
d) Requiring very substantial support: Severe deficits in social communication with minimal initiation and response to social approaches; extreme inflexibility and repetitive behaviors significantly impair all areas of functioning.
a) Requiring substantial support: Marked deficits in verbal and non-verbal social communication skills, noticeable even with supports in place; limited initiation of social interactions, with reduced or abnormal responses to social overtures. Frequent inflexibility of behavior and repetitive behaviors that interfere with functioning across various contexts.
What are the characteristics of Level 1 autism spectrum disorder as defined in the DSM-5?
a) Requiring substantial support: Marked deficits in social communication skills with limited initiation of social interactions and reduced responses to social overtures; frequent inflexibility of behavior and repetitive behaviors that interfere with functioning in various contexts.
b) Requiring very substantial support: Severe deficits in verbal and non-verbal social communication skills causing severe impairments, very limited social interaction, and minimal response to social approaches; extreme inflexibility and repetitive behaviors.
c) Requiring support: Noticeable deficits in social communication without supports; difficulties initiating social interactions with atypical or unsuccessful responses; decreased interest in social interactions; inflexibility and problems with organization and planning.
d) Requiring no support: No significant social communication or behavioral deficits; interactions are generally appropriate and functioning is not affected.
c) Requiring support: Noticeable deficits in social communication without supports; difficulties initiating social interactions with atypical or unsuccessful responses; decreased interest in social interactions; inflexibility and problems with organization and planning.
What are the core deficits in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that lead to difficulties in social interaction?
a) Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity and difficulty comprehending non-verbal communication.
b) Difficulty with motor skills and sensory processing issues.
c) Deficits in language development and memory.
d) Problems with attention and hyperactivity.
a) Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity and difficulty comprehending non-verbal communication.
What does the concept of ‘theory of mind’ refer to in the context of autism spectrum disorder?
a) Understanding that others have a perspective that differs from one’s own.
b) The ability to process sensory information accurately.
c) Developing complex language skills and vocabulary.
d) Mastering motor coordination and physical tasks.
a) Understanding that others have a perspective that differs from one’s own.
What is the most likely reason for the observed rise in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to recent studies?
a) Increased exposure to environmental toxins.
b) A real increase in the incidence of the disorder.
c) Changes in diagnostic criteria, more consistent diagnoses, and greater awareness.
d) Increased rates of food allergies and sensitivities.
c) Changes in diagnostic criteria, more consistent diagnoses, and greater awareness.
What is the approximate prevalence of autism spectrum disorder?
A) 0.5%
B) 1%
C) 2%
D) 5%
B) 1%
What is the ratio of boys to girls diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder?
a) 1:1
b) 2:1
c) 3:1
d) 4:1
b) 2:1
Which of the following is a predictor of a good outcome for children with autism spectrum disorder?
a) The presence of significant intellectual disability.
b) Acquisition of language skills before age 6.
c) Absence of any specific skills or strengths.
d) Poor social skills and interaction.
b) Acquisition of language skills before age 6.
What is the concordance rate for autism in monozygotic twins, indicating the likelihood that if one twin is affected, the other will also show symptoms?
A) 30%
B) 45%
C) 60%
D) 75%
C) 60%
(concordance rate is
probability that both members of a twin pair will develop the same
disorder)
What was the outcome of the 1998 study linking the measles-mumps-rubella combination vaccine to autism?
A) The study was supported by subsequent research
B) The study was later retracted by The Lancet
C) The study was confirmed by other large-scale studies
D) The study led to a widespread adoption of vaccine-free policies
B) The study was later retracted by The Lancet
Which study found a higher than expected prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder among children exposed to severe social deprivation?
A) A study of children with mitochondrial dysfunction
B) A study of children with limited dietary exposure
C) A study of Romanian orphans adopted in the United Kingdom
D) A study examining the effects of vaccination on autism
C) A study of Romanian orphans adopted in the United Kingdom
What type of deprivation did the Romanian orphans experience in the study conducted by O’Connor, Bredenkamp, and Rutter (1999)?
A) Severe dietary deprivation
B) Extreme social and emotional deprivation
C) Prolonged exposure to toxins
D) High levels of physical exercise and activity
B) Extreme social and emotional deprivation
What is one of the primary aims of early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder?
A) To increase the child’s exposure to toxins
B) To help the child develop better social and emotional relationships
C) To decrease the child’s physical activity levels
D) To avoid the use of any behavioral modification programs
B) To help the child develop better social and emotional relationships
Which approach is commonly used in behavior modification programs for children with autism spectrum disorder?
A) Environmental enrichment without any specific interventions
B) Positive reinforcement such as praise or tangible rewards
C) Complete avoidance of any form of reinforcement
D) Focus solely on medication without behavioral interventions
B) Positive reinforcement such as praise or tangible rewards
What role does pharmacotherapy play in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder according to the text?
A) It is the primary treatment method used alone without behavioral interventions
B) It is used to target specific problems such as aggression, irritability, and hyperactivity
C) It focuses exclusively on improving social skills
D) It is used to prevent the development of autism spectrum disorder
B) It is used to target specific problems such as aggression, irritability, and hyperactivity