ADHD and ASD Flashcards
Inattention behaviours
Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play
Fails to give close attention to details
Does not seem to listen when spoken to
Does not follow through on instructions
Has difficulty organising tasks/activities
Avoids tasks that require mental effort
Loses things necessary for tasks
Is easily distracted by external stimuli
Is forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactivity behaviours
Fidgets with hands/feet/squirms in seat
Leaves seat when sitting is expected
Runs about when inappropriate
Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
Is always ‘on the go’
Talks excessively/blurts out answers
Interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)
How is a child diagnosed with ADHD?
Must exhibit six (or more) behaviours in either inattention or hyperactivity category
Symptoms must have persisted for at least six months to an extent that is inconsistent for developmental level
In two or more settings
Clinically significant impairment in social or scholastic function
Why is age important to consider when diagnosing ADHD?
Some inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present before age 7 years
What can give a unitary account for all ADHD difficulties?
Executive defecits
It was hypothesised that a single inhibition deficit explained the behavioural problems.
What area of the brain has most ADHD research been focused on?
Striatum (decision making)
Why is ADHD not solely understood inhibition deficits?
Inhibition deficits characterize many children with AD/HD, but not all, and they also characterise other disorders
Alternative ADHD theories (other than inhibition deficits)
Working Memory difficulties
Sustained attention
Motivational difficulties
Evidence of interactions between motivational factors and inhibitory deficits
Engage ADHD child in inhibitory control task.
Normally engages inhibitory circuits in the brain
BUT ADHD children in low inhibitory incentive, don’t show inhibition (but can with high incentive)
Is ADHD concerned with a single brain site?
No, should be viewed as a whole brain model
How do you diagnose ASD?
Social Impairment. (2+ of):
Communication impairment. (1+ of):
Restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviour. (At least four symptoms)
ASD social impairments
Marked impairment in the use of nonverbal behaviours (eye-contact)
Failure to develop age-appropriate peer relations
Lack of spontaneous sharing of enjoyment, interests or achievements with other people
Lack of social or emotional reciprocity
ASD communication impairments
Delay or lack of spoken language
If speech is present, marked impairment in initiating or maintaining conversation
Stereotyped or repetitive use of language
Lack of spontaneous/varied pretend play
ASD behaviour impairments
Narrow interests
Adherence to non-functional routines
Motor stereotypies
Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
ASD is not associated with
Poor memory
