Autism Spectrum Disorder

Question 1

genetic factors

Answer 1

mutations or alterations of genes
family history is good indication

Question 2

non-genetic factors

Answer 2

prenatal conditions
exposure to toxins influencing development

Question 3

environmental factors

Answer 3

maternal infections
advanced parental age
birth complications

Question 4

brain development

Answer 4

abnormalities with brain structure
social communication and behaviour

Question 5

more symptoms

Answer 5

anxiety
ADHD
intellectual disabilities
both genetic and environment

Question 6

Stats

Answer 6

3 times more common in boys than girls
diagnosed at 4-5 years old
can cause epilepsy, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal issues

Question 7

Level 1. mild autism

Answer 7

requires minimal support
often verbal
struggle with interactions and transitions
can manage daily life without assistance

Question 8

level 2. moderate autism

Answer 8

needs substantial support
more significant challenged with social and communication
repetitive behaviours
may need support

Question 9

level 3. severe autism

Answer 9

very substantial support
may have limited verbal communication (or non-verbal)
engage in challenging behaviours that do require intensive assistance for a better quality of life

Question 10

physical features

Answer 10

unusual gait or posture
tics or repetitive movements
sensory processing issues
abnormal facial expressions
slow motor control

Question 11

facial features

Answer 11

large forehead
thin upper lip
wide nose
wide set eyes

Question 12

social features

Answer 12

non-verbal
isolation of facial features
misunderstanding of subtle differences in social situations
may not smile

Question 13

social interactive behaviours

Answer 13

no eye contact
not response to their name when young
no simple interactive games
no pointing
no signs of imagination
no sing or dance or acting

Question 14

emotional features

Answer 14

gets upset with change
obsessive tendencies
requires a routine
impulsivity
anxiety, stress
unusual sleeping

Question 15

physical barriers

Answer 15

trouble participating

Question 16

cognitive barriers

Answer 16

slowed functional skills
hyper fixate and miss bigger picture

Question 17

financial barrier

Answer 17

therapy is costly
specialized education
limited work

Question 18

social barriers

Answer 18

cannot maintain or start friendships
cannot complete group work

Question 19

Management Strategies

Answer 19

• speech and language therapy
• occupational therapy
• treatment and education of autistic and related communications handicap children approach
• child’s IEP
  cannot be treated by meds

Question 20

STEP Framework

Answer 20

S
- reduce visual distractions
- allow personal space
T
- simple instructions
- offer choices
E
- softer equipment
- visual aids
P
- peer buddies
- adult support