Autism Spectrum Disorder

Question 1

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Answer 1

Neurodevelopmental condition characterised by:
Social communication + interaction deficits
Restrictive or repetitive behavior, interests, + activities.

Question 2

What are the 4 categories of social and communication deficits that may be seen in ASD?

Answer 2

Social reciprocity: prefers being alone, not playing with others
Joint attention: not sharing objects of amusement/ interest with parents/ others
Nonverbal communication: difficulty exhibiting + interpreting
Relationships: Difficulty developing + maintaining

Question 3

How may ritualistic or repetitive behaviour in ASD manifest?

Answer 3

Lining up toys
Flapping hands
Imitating words/ phrases
Fixation on routine
Restricted pattern of interest- specific, in depth knowledge of narrow topic

Question 4

RF for ASD

Answer 4

M > F (4:1)
FH

Question 5

What is the management for ASD?

Answer 5

Behavioural + parent mediated intervention:
Applied behavioural analysis
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, + Engagement Regulation (JASPER)
Early education services
Family education + support

Question 6

Give 4 associations/ complications of ASD

Answer 6

Intellectual disability
Developmental regression
Epilepsy
Anxiety/ depression