Week 4 - Autism Spectrum Disorder Flashcards
What is ASD?
A collective term for a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, and by repetitive patterns of behaviour and restricted interests.
When do the behavioural features that characterise ASD appear?
Before 3 years of age
What percentage of Autistic people are under 25?
83%
Are males or females more likely to have autism?
Males are 4 times more likely than females
What are risk factors of Autism?
Environmental
Genetics
Neurological
Other conditions
What are the 2 diagnostic tools for Autism?
Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5)
International Classification of Diseases ICD11
What is stimming?
Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects or speech
What are the difficulties encountered when diagnosing ASD?
No established biological marker
Variability of signs and symptoms
Overlap with other developmental conditions
Application of DSM and ICD is subjective
Clinician experience and skill
Variability between states
Different diagnostic standards between health and education systems.
What is the diagnostic process of ASD?
Referral
Comprehensive needs assessment
Diagnostic evaluation
Referral to service providers based on support needs
What functional impact does ASD have on Autistic people?
Difficulties with: Social participation Paly Sleep ADLS Education Performance patters and skill Employment
True or false, a main feature of autism is autistic people have difficulty understanding neurotypical social communication?
True
What social participation problems can autistic children have difficulty with?
Imitation
Communication
Sharing similar interests with others
Playing with pretence (make believe) and ideation
What are differences in autistic children play?
Unusual visual exploration of objects
Preoccupation with object features
Limited flexibility and creativity in use of objects
Repetitive use of objects
Difficulties generating flexible and novel ideas
Repetitive nature of object use
Difficulties with pragmatic language
True or false, autistic children spend less time in solitary play and more time in functional play and pretend play?
False. Autistic children spend more time in solitary play and less time in functional and pretend play.
True or false; Autistic children often have difficulties with falling asleep and staying asleep and often wake early?
True
True or false, Autistic people do not benefit from routine and predictability?
False, autistic people benefit greatly from routine and predictability.
What performance problems do autistic children have difficulty with?
Communication Social skills Emotional regulation Gross motor skills Fine motor skills Praxis Sensory processing Anxiety Generating novel thoughts
How is Autism managed?
Early diagnosis Early intervention Educational assistance Education and information for family and staff Behaviour modification Understanding sensory preferences Medication
How many ASD children do not use speech functionally?
a third to one half
What is AAC?
Augmentative and Alternative communication
When would AAC be used?
A Primary method of communication
To supplement their existing speech eg. in times of high anxiety or during emotional dysregulation.
What are visual schedules?
Visual schedules use a series of pictures to communicate a series of activities or the steps of a specific activity.
What are aided symbols?
Communication boards with pictures and words
What are voice output communication aids?
Portable devices with electronic speech output (require some motor skills)
What is Total communication/manual signing?
Speech and manual signing used in combination (requires fine motor)
In sensory processing, what is hyper reactivity?
Child may respond negatively to common sensory stimuli such as sounds, touch or movement
In sensory processing what is hypo reactivity?
Child may appear to be unaware or unresponsive to sensory stimuli in their environment.
True or false; autistic people demonstrate symptoms along a spectrum?
True
