Atypical Development

Question 1

Name the four main models of autism no details

Answer 1

Theory of Mind - deficit model
Weak Central Coherence
Executive Functioning - deficit model
Extreme Male Brain theory

Question 2

Theory of Mind / Mindblindness model = describe, who, evidence for, evidence against, what is explains and not explains

Answer 2

Posits that autistic people lack theory of mind, the ability to infer about others internal/mental states. By age 5 most children succeed the sally & Anne task, but not ASD children = Baron-Cohen 1985

However, Prior et al 1990 found some asd children succeeded at the sally & Anne task.

Accounts for social ability impairments in ASD but not other symptoms such as why ASD often involves high expertise in particular domains of interest.

Question 3

Weak Central Coherence model = who, advantage and disadvantages

Answer 3

This model posits that autistic people are better at focusing on the details rather than the whole/perspective taking. It is therefore a cognitive style model, rather than a cognitive impairment model. Uta Frith 1989.

However, does not account for social difficulties.

Question 4

The extreme male brain theory of autism describe, who, evidence for and against , what it explains and does not explain

Answer 4

Baron-Cohen => based on the 4 to 1 male to female ratio. Proposed that females are wired towards empathy whilst males are wired towards systemising. Based on this, this model proposes that autism is an extreme version of the male brain due to systemising symptoms (routine, focused interests..) = used empathizing-systemizing quotients to assess, found gender ratios correct.

Support: Greenberg 2018
Against: Nanda 2015 = females are not more empathetic than males, but they do score higher. = SOCIALIZATION?

Does not explain where and why autistic people have this systemising brain + is based of SELF REPORTS, very important due to influence of gender roles in society.

Question 5

At what age is autism typically diagnosed?

Answer 5

5,5 yo = howlin et al 1999

Question 6

How is ASD seen at the moment

Answer 6

As a neurodiversity and spectrum, not a disability,

Question 7

What genetic factors can be associated to autism and percentage

Answer 7

10 to 20% of ASD cases are linked to genetic disorders for ex fragile X syndrome. ASD may share genetic causes with ADHD (Ronald et al 2008)

Question 8

ADHD two types and symptoms

Answer 8

Innattention type = poor attention to details, poor organisation skills, often loses things, easily distracted

Hyperactivity type = fidgets, leaves sets unexpectedly, restless, overly talkative

Question 9

ADHD risk factors

Answer 9

High genetic heredity = faraone 2005
Linked to genetic syndromes : Rodrigues 2005
Prenatal influences possible stress or smoking

Question 10

2 main models of ADHD and describe

Answer 10

Executive dysfunction model = posits that response inhibition is deficient (Nigg, 2001) - in GO/NOGO tasks, ADHD children performance worse -> Wodka et al 2007

The delayed reward model : disrupted signalling of delayed reward, model of delay aversion, ADHD is difficulty in waiting = support by Song et al 1994