Autism

Question 0

What deficits occur in the social communication and interaction domain of autism?

Answer 0

Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity (can’t share emotions, interests, conversation)

Deficits in non-verbal communication (eye contact, body language, gestures)

Deficits in developing, maintaining and understanding relationships (making friends, adjusting socially, no interest in peers)

Question 1

Two broad qualitative abnormality domains in autism

Answer 1

Social communication and interaction

Repetitive and stereotyped pattern of behaviors

Question 2

What deficits occur in the repetitive behavior, interests or activities domain of autism?

Answer 2

Stereotyped repetitive motor movements or speech

Inflexible routines or behaviors

Highly restricted interests of abnormal intensity

Hypo-/hypersensitivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects

Question 3

Symptoms of autism must meet what criteria?

Answer 3

Must be present in the early developmental period

Must cause clinically significant impairment in functioning

Must not be better explained by ID

Question 4

How does one diagnose autism spectrum disorders?

Answer 4

1. History (behavior difference across 2 domains)
2. Observation (home, school
3. Cognition global cognitive abilities, specific cognitive skills)
4. Speech and language, OT
5. Behavior and mental health (depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD)
6. Family assessment
7. Medical investigations (genetic, ?imaging, ?EEG, metabolic screening)

Question 5

Indications for neurological work-up in autism

Answer 5

Late regression >24 months

Clinic suspicion of seizures

Fluctuating clinical course

Question 6

Read red flags for autism

Answer 6

No seriously, read them

Question 7

Treatment of autism

Answer 7

Multi-disciplinary team
Support family
No miracle cure
Increase awareness (both for research and public)