ASD Flashcards
What does ASD stand for?
Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is autism?
Problems with . . .
- Social communication and interaction.
AND
- Restricted/repetitive patterns of thinking.
(a di-ad now, not a triad)
What does spectrum imply?
A range of types and severities of presentations unified by overlying symptom themes
With ADHD, there is a continuum into ….
Normal population
The cut-off for diagnosis can be ….
Subjective and subject to social constructionism
How many people have ASD?
1 in 68
Who gets ASD more, boys or girls?
Boys
What is diagnosis based on?
History + examination
What are the 2 key areas that DSM-5 covers?
- Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction.
- Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities.
When must symptoms be present for a diagnosis to be made?
In the early developmental period
Describe the social motivation of those with ASD.
- Typically, those with ASD are described as ‘aloof.’
- Lack ‘theory of mind.’
- Only interested in people to meet needs.
- Happy with own company.
Describe the social ability of those with ASD.
- Problems with reading and transmitting social cues.
* Overlaps with fixed thinking style: metaphor, irony and social rituals are confusing.
Deficits in social communication and interaction encompasses what 2 things?
- Social motivation
2. Social ability
Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities encompasses what 2 things?
- Inflexible/systematic thinking
2. Restrictive/repetitive behaviours
Describe inflexible + systematic thinking.
- Problems with social fit.
- Change/transitions often very distressing.
- Leads to interests in systematic or logical themes. (IT, maths, engineering, collecting)
Describe restrictive + repetitive behaviours.
- Need for routine and repetition.
- Collections.
- Stereotypies and stimming (characteristic repetitive movements).
Outline the 4 language deficits of someone with ASD.
- No speech
- Confuse pronouns
- Odd prosody
- Echolalia
What are the most common sensory differences to do with?
Sounds and textures
What is severe autism often co-morbid with?
- LD (hard to separate sometimes).
- Language and other developmental problems.
- Hyperactivity.
- Behavioural issues, such as repeated self-harm.
What is mild autism often co-morbid with?
- Inattention/poor organisation
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Dyspraxia
Is there a genetic component to ASD?
YES
Outline the genetic component of ASD.
- Commonly, there is an affected relative (broader phenotype).
- 20% of siblings of people with ASD will also meet diagnostic criteria.
- But no single gene explanation
There is one single gene explanation for ASD.
FALSE
What is ASD generally considered as?
A global inherent deficit
