Autism Spectrum Disorder

Question 1

An isolated developmental delay in language is most likely to be due to. . .

Answer 1

. . . hearing impairment

Question 2

A global developmental delay (language, gross motor, fine motor, social skills) is likely to be due to. . .

Answer 2

. . . in utero, perinatal, or genetic disturbance

Question 3

Delay in gross motor skills arising early in infancy suggests. . .

Answer 3

. . . cerebral palsy

Question 4

Stereotypies

Answer 4

Repetitive, stereotyped, self-stimulating behaviors commonly seen in children with autism spectrum disorder

For example, rocking, slowly spinning, rapidly flapping hands

Question 5

DSM-V identified features of autism spectrum disorder

Answer 5

• Two cardinal features:
  
  • Impaired social communication and social interaction
  • Restricted, repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities

Question 6

Management of ASD

Answer 6

• Behavioral:
  
  • Behavioral interventions
  • Education of parents, teachers, and community
• Pharmacologic (not typically used):
  
  • SSRIs
  • Atypical antipsythotics
• Note: There are an incredible number of pseudoscientific, bunk, ‘alternative’ therapies out there for ASD. Parents should be warned against these.

Question 7

In evaluating pediatric development, it is vital to distinguish developmental delay from. . .

Answer 7

. . . developmental regression

Developmental regression often indicates a neurodegenerative or metabolic disease requiring urgent attention

Question 8

“Autistic regression” of language development

Answer 8

Describes the common phenomenon of patients with ASD acquiring a few words at an apparently appropriate age and then losing the use of these words by 2 years

Seen in ~25% of patients with ASD

Question 9

__% of children with ASD develop epilepsy

Answer 9

>25% of children with ASD develop epilepsy