Behavioural disorders : Autism

Question 1

Investigations for Autism?

Answer 1

Autism diagnosis and assessment -

MTD assessment, review home and school setting behaviours

Developmental exam : focus on hearing, speech, language,social behaviour

Learning difficulty assessment : cognitive

Question 2

What is Autism spectrum disorder?

Answer 2

A neurodevelopmental condition

Qualitative impairment in social interaction and communication, reptitive behaviours

Usually present with symptoms in early childhood

Persistent and impact daily living

Question 3

What are the risk factors for having autism?

Answer 3

Male

Chromosomal abnormalities (fragile x, downs syndrome)

Preterm birth / Low birth weight

Question 4

What is Asperger’s syndrome?

Answer 4

Type of autism spectrum disorder where there is no delay in communication or cognitive abilities

*highest functioning end of ASD, (level 1 autism)

Question 5

Which other conditions are seen co-existing with autism commonly?

Answer 5

ADHD

Epilepsy

Question 6

A child prefers playing alone, avoids eye contact with teachers and struggle to understand where their peers are coming from? What is the most likely diagnosis

Answer 6

Autism

struggle to understand where their peers are coming from? - they lack ‘theory of mind’.

Question 7

What triad is often seen in autism diagnosis?

Answer 7

Communication impairment

Social relationship impairment

Ritualistic / reptitive behaviour

Question 8

How to differentiate autism from learning disability?

Answer 8

LD - generalised deficits in intellect, not usually social impairment seen in ASD

Question 9

Why is constipation seen in Autism children?

Answer 9

Constipation is also more common in children with ASD, resulting from both limited dietary preferences as well as sensory issues associated with defecation.

Question 10

IQ and autism?

Answer 10

Not all patients will have low IQ but most do have decreased IQ

Question 11

Which teams are involved in Autism management?

Answer 11

Paediatrician, pyschiatrist
SALT - speech and language therapist
OT - ocupational therapist

Behavioural interventions: (help with ritualistic behaviours + learning new skills)
- Applied behavioural analysis
- early start denver model (ESDM) (ages 12-24 month)
- More than words (hanen progamme)

Question 12

A child thought that it was literally going to rain cats and dogs and started freaking out. Really enjoys playing with trains. Was seen flapping - what is this?

Answer 12

Autism

• takes speech literally
• narrow interests
• stereotypical movement - rocking, flapping, hand movements