Autism/ADHD Flashcards
What is the epidemiology of ADHD?
5% school age children M:F = 4:1
What is the aetiology and core behaviours of ADHD?
Aetiology: CNS insults (FAS/Premature), Genetic/Environmental, Neuroanatomical/neurochemical
CB: Hyperactivity, Inattention, Impulsivity (HII)
What are the main signs of hyperactivity?
1) Can’t stay seated
2) Noisy
3) Talkative
4) Fidgety
What are the main signs of impulsivity?
1) Interrupts
2) blurts out answers
3) pregnancy/drug use when older
4) difficulty waiting turns
What are main signs of inattention?
1) Forgetful
2) Not listening
3) Mind wandering
4) easily distracted
5) organisational problems/difficulty at school
What are the diagnostic criteria for ADHD?
6/9 inattention symptoms + 6/9 hyperactivity/impulsivity
- Symptoms present before 12 and occur in more than one place/primary setting
- Clear evidence symptoms interfere with social/academic function
What tools are used to diagnose ADHD?
1) Questionaires (SNAP)
2) Quantitative behavioural analysis (QB)
3) ADHD nurse classroom observation
4) Clinical Interview (RF’s for ADHD)
What is the treatment for ADHD?
1) Education
2) parenting programmes/school support
3) Mediations e.g. methylphenidate
Why should a cardiac assessment be done before prescribing medications to a child with ADHD?
Some medications can affect HR and BP so important to do cardiac assessment
What is the epidemiology and signs of Autism (ASD)?
1% prevalence, boys>girls
- Communication problems
- Social interaction difficulties
- Social imagination difficulties
- Sensory issues
What communication problems might a child with ASD show?
1) Find non-verbal communication challenging
2) Lack of desire to communicate
3) only communicate their needs
4) don’t understand jokes –> v literal
What social interactions may a child with ASD show?
1) overly friendly/shy
2) Struggles to understand social roles
3) Often no desire to interact with others
4) Touches inappropriately –> Plays alone, poor eye contact, hard to take turns
What social imagination problems may a child with ASD show?
1) Struggle with change
2) Obsession/rituals
3) Repetitive with play
4) Can’t play/write imaginatively
