Autism and PTSD: Understanding Challenges

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Questions and Answers

What are some effects of executive function deficits in autistic children?

Enhanced self-expression abilities

Difficulty in learning and problem-solving (correct)

Improved planning and organizing skills

Increased adaptability to feedback

Which of the following descriptions best characterizes delayed speech development in autistic children?

All autistic children will eventually develop communicative speech

Delayed speech development is not associated with emotional expression

Echolalia is commonly used among those who can speak (correct)

Many autistic children may use complex vocabulary early on

What type of behaviors may arise from cognitive frustration or sensory overload in autistic children?

Enhancement of cognitive flexibility

Increased social interaction and playfulness

Reduction in sensory-related challenges

Self-injurious behaviors like head-banging (correct)

In the context of psychiatric diagnoses, which of the following is classified as less common?

Selective mutism Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the prevalence of cognitive and language development challenges in autistic children?

Cognitive deficits are more biological than environmental Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a symptom of PTSD in children and adolescents?

Heightened social engagement Signup and view all the answers

What are the four symptom clusters associated with a DSM 5 diagnosis of PTSD?

Intrusion symptoms, avoidance, changes in mood, changes in arousal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following trauma factors is considered a pre-trauma factor contributing to the likelihood of developing PTSD?

Chronic poverty or stressors before trauma Signup and view all the answers

Which age-related behavior might an older child demonstrate as a symptom of PTSD?

Aggressive or reckless behavior Signup and view all the answers

In which group do higher rates of PTSD typically occur?

Girls starting from school age, often due to different trauma types Signup and view all the answers

What is one common comorbidity pattern associated with PTSD in school-aged children?

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a peri-trauma factor associated with PTSD?

Personal injury perceived during the traumatic event Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly observed in young children with PTSD?

Developmentally inappropriate behaviors such as bedwetting Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of heritability in the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

It demonstrates a strong genetic influence, with heritability rates up to 0.8. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key feature of developmentally oriented programs for autistic children?

Targeting skills like communication and social interaction through ABA. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the potential outcomes of early interventions for autistic children?

Development of skills for daily life and improved independence. Signup and view all the answers

What do prospective longitudinal studies reveal about infant siblings of children with ASD?

Recurrence risk of ASD is approximately 20%, which is notably high. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following myths about autistic individuals is true?

Individuals on the spectrum may have strong empathy despite communication difficulties. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes anorexia nervosa from other eating disorders?

Anorexia nervosa involves persistent restriction of food intake and intense fear of weight gain. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common physical symptom of anorexia nervosa?

Malnourishment leading to sunken eyes and dry skin. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable psychological characteristic of individuals with anorexia nervosa?

High need for approval and perfectionism. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can affect gene expression relevant to Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Environmental factors before, during, and after fetal brain development. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does the AIM HI program focus on for autistic children?

Emotion regulation and adaptive skills for children. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the limitations of early interventions for autistic children?

The effectiveness of interventions varies among individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following disorders is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors?

Bulimia nervosa. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of autism, what does the term 'masking strategies' refer to?

Coping mechanisms that help individuals conform to societal norms. Signup and view all the answers

In the management of eating disorders, what role does family support play?

It can enhance the effectiveness of interventions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common psychological characteristic observed in adolescents with Bulimia Nervosa (BN)?

Impulsive behavior Signup and view all the answers

At what age is the peak risk for developing Anorexia Nervosa (AN) typically observed?

14-18 years Signup and view all the answers

Which disorder is NOT commonly associated with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) in terms of comorbidity patterns?

Bipolar disorder Signup and view all the answers

What role do biological factors play in the onset of Eating Disorders (EDs) such as Bulimia Nervosa (BN)?

Minor role in maintenance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a psychological characteristic of adolescents with Binge Eating Disorder (BED)?

Frequent episodes of concealing eating behavior Signup and view all the answers

How does positive reinforcement affect the eating behaviors of adolescents susceptible to Eating Disorders?

Encourages binge eating following dieting Signup and view all the answers

What is one impact on social interactions due to Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors (RRBs) in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Difficulty forming relationships Signup and view all the answers

What effect does depression often have on individuals recovering from Anorexia Nervosa?

It may persist after recovery Signup and view all the answers

What are common triggers for binge eating episodes in those with Binge Eating Disorder (BED)?

Negative affect and lower self-esteem Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental factor is a contributor to the onset of Eating Disorders according to sociocultural aspects?

Emphasis on personal appearance and dietary norms Signup and view all the answers

What is a prevalent characteristic of adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa's self-evaluation?

Influenced significantly by weight and shape Signup and view all the answers

What biological factor is mentioned as having a potential correlation with Eating Disorders in relation to genetics?

Higher rates in same-sex female twins Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of insufficient social support for adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Reduced resiliency and mental health Signup and view all the answers

What is a commonly overlooked aspect of Eating Disorders when considering age differences?

Older adolescents show significant differences in symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is a common emotional consequence of trauma, particularly concerning emotion regulation?

Heightened emotional reactivity or emotional numbing Signup and view all the answers

How does trauma typically affect the view of self and others in individuals?

Leads to feelings of worthlessness and viewing others as untrustworthy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a neurobiological change resulting from trauma?

Increased development of the corpus callosum Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of young children with unintentional burns exhibited no disorder at the second time point (T2)?

73% Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome was observed among 27% of children six months after experiencing trauma from burns?

Development of a psychological disorder Signup and view all the answers

What was the rate of PTSD among children who experienced distress symptoms a month after a burn trauma?

25% Signup and view all the answers

In youth present during the Fort McMurray wildfire, what was found concerning probable diagnoses?

No significant differences based on presence Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristics are common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Indifference to physical contact and little to no eye contact Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive characteristic is prevalent among individuals with ASD?

30-40% may have an intellectual disability Signup and view all the answers

What is a common language challenge faced by 35-40% of children on the autism spectrum?

Delayed or absent development of communicative speech Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the sex difference commonly found in Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Boys are diagnosed more frequently, often receiving earlier diagnosis Signup and view all the answers

How do symptoms of ASD typically change with age?

Preschool children show classic symptoms while school-age children may become more socially responsive Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is least likely associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Consistent interest in social interactions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sexual Minority and Transgender Youth
*describe the mental health status of sexual minority youth compared to their transgender peers
and cisgender peers

3-4X higher rates depressive disorders and symptoms, suicidality, NSSI behs, higher rates anxiety diagnoses, 3X higher substance use disorders, 2-4X higher rates of ED or general distorted eating, PTSD (probably)

Trans peers; higher rates depressive disorder, suicidality, NSSI, anx disorders (generalized), substance use, eds, ptsd, asd (2-3% in general population but 10% in trans) more physical safety when identity and appearance =
*describe how markers of mental health for sexual minority youth changed over time according
to three BC Adolescent Health Surveys

Some markers improved overtime but still high. Lesbian/gay/bi youth less likely to have attempted suicide. 2008 30%-2018 17%. Binge drinkinf past month; 2008 68% 2018 40%
*describe the Minority Stress Framework

Sexual minority and trans youth experience more and unique stressors related to their identity
*distinguish between distal stressors and proximal stressors

Distal: discrimination, stigma, victimization (further away)

More likely to have lived or live in unstable/unsafe environments and have been or are victimized by family members and/or peers. Teasing, harassment, phys and sex abuse, ¼ of trans youth said they don’t feel safe at home and less than 50% had adult in family that supported them. Verbal and physical victimization may also occur at school, some don’t attend bc afraid. 1/5 avoid school bc scared of being outed or harassment, less than half felt safe (more safe library, less safe lockerroom) more than half don’t report harrassement, and 2/3 who did staff didn’t do anything abt it

Proximal: expectations of rejection, concealment of identity, internalizing negative messages (more internal)

Some sexual minority youth internalize negative messages, expect rejection, and concealtheir sexual orientation. Some trans youth have similar experiences but also differences, a greater body identity mismatch with puberty, inaccurate perception of their gender identity, and policies that affect their rights
*describe two factors that are unique to sexual minority youth and transgender youth

Neither sexual minority youth nor transgender youth are born into a minority community. As a result, validating experiences and group support may not come until later in development. Prejudice and discrimination toward youth persist.

Most social changes and policy changes benefit adults not youth.
*describe coming out for sexual minority youth and transgender youth

Coming out (i.e., disclosing one's identity to others) is also a stressor. Sexual minority youth now disclose this identity during middle adolescence rather than young

Coming out is now more likely while youth are still dependent on parents and are required to attend school. It also coincides with peers regulating status and interactions.

◦            more vulnerable to family rejection, homelessness

◦            hypervigilance, how they’re presenting, interacting w peers. Bc of fear of rejection
*describe the mental health status of bisexual youth versus that of lesbian youth and gay youth

who identify as bisexual are at even higher risk for poor mental health than lesbian/gay youth, related to dual stigma.

• more likely to have suicidal thinking, anempts..

than gay peers

stigma from heterosex. community AND homosex.

- don't belong in eitner group

*identify the protective factor that appears to be key for buffering youth against the negative
effects of minority stressors

Social support is a key protective factor (offset risk posed by minority stressors), it may come from friends, trusted adults (parents accept youth by using chosen name, buy clothes), school resources (inclusive curriculum, policies agsinst bullying), specific communities
*describe the developmental collision hypothesis

collision between youth disclosing their sexual/gender identity and heightened vulnerability to negative responses from peers and adults, both during middle adolescence, contributing to persistence of poorer mental health?

Discrimination-depression or disc-victimization-depression

Developmental Collision Hypothesis (DCH)

They examined these two pathways in three

generations of US A sexual minority youth (1990s,16.2yrs

2000s, and 2010s).

~ 14.2 jrs lover and tower age
*describe how earlier age at disclosure of one’s sexual minority identity was related directly and
indirectly to adolescents’ depressive symptoms

Results: (a) the groups differed on average age at first disclosure; they did not differ on frequency of

LGBT victimization.

Earlier disc. -> fewer depr.

Symp.

(b) Earlier age at disclosure was related directly to fewer depressive symptoms

(c) Earlier age at disclosure was related indirectly to more depressive symptoms through LGBT victimization.

Earlier disc -> Vict -> more depress . sympt.

• (d) These two patterns were found in each of the three generations of adolescents.
*describe how the relationships between earlier age at disclosure of one’s sexual minority
identity and adolescents’ depressive symptoms differed across the three generations of youth

Conclusions: Adolescents' experiences of LGBT-victimization and not an earlier age at disclosure contributes to their mental health vulnerability.

may feel true to

/ themselves

Coming out at a younger age may protect against poorer mental health by enhancing feelings of coherence and providing access to social support.

Select any ONE diagnosis that you think
may have an especially negative impact
on the development of a child or
adolescent. Explain your choice by
describing THREE ways in which the core
characteristics, associated characteristics,
or other aspects of the disorder interfere
with a child’s or adolescent’s
development.

Diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

### 1. Social Communication and Interaction Deficits

Autistic individuals often face challenges in understanding and responding to social cues, such as facial expressions, body language, or tone of voice. Examples include:

- Difficulty forming relationships: Many autistic children struggle to connect with peers, leading to social isolation. This can hinder emotional development and limit opportunities for learning through social play.

- Limited nonverbal communication: The reduced use of gestures and facial expressions makes it hard for others to interpret their needs or emotions, compounding difficulties in social interaction.

- Impaired emotional understanding: A lack of understanding of others’ emotions can lead to misunderstandings and conflict, further alienating the child from their social environment.

These issues may result in a lack of support networks, affecting the child’s mental health and resilience.

### 2. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors (RRBs)

RRBs, such as insistence on sameness or intense interests, can limit a child's ability to engage with diverse activities or adapt to new situations. Examples include:

- Rigidity in routines: Disruptions to routines can cause distress, leading to meltdowns or withdrawal. This rigidity can make transitioning to school or other environments difficult.

- Narrow interests: While some focused interests can be strengths, extreme preoccupation with certain topics may reduce opportunities for broader learning and social engagement.

- Sensory sensitivities: Overwhelming responses to sensory stimuli (e.g., loud noises) can make ordinary environments like classrooms challenging, disrupting academic progress and participation.

### 3. Cognitive and Language Differences

ASD is often accompanied by cognitive and language delays, affecting academic performance and self-expression. Examples include:

- Executive function deficits: Autistic children may struggle with planning, organizing, and adapting to feedback, which are essential for learning and problem-solving.

- Delayed speech development: Up to 35-40% of autistic children may not develop communicative speech, impacting their ability to express needs or emotions. Those who do may use echolalia or display unusual intonation, which can hinder understanding.

- Self-injurious behaviors: Cognitive frustration or sensory overload can lead to harmful behaviors, such as head-banging or hand-biting, which further impede development.

These challenges often require targeted interventions to help the child reach their potential while also mitigating the effects on their self-esteem and confidence.

These characteristics can create barriers to inclusion, preventing the child from fully engaging in typical developmental experiences.

Lower prevalence/less common diagnoses; cos, selective mutism, bipolar, asd, ed’s, dmdd

In between common and uncommon (4-8%): depression, fasd, ptsd, cd, sub related, adhd, sld

More common: anxiety (spec. phobia 20%, social anxiety 6-12%, separation anx. 8-10%), ODD

More biological than environmental: asd, cos, bipolar, adhd, sld

Middle: depression, odd/cd, substance use

More environmental: anxiety, eds, ptsd, fasd

Studying That Suits You

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Description

This quiz explores various aspects of executive function deficits in autistic children and their relationship with speech development and PTSD. It covers symptoms, prevalence of challenges, and associated behaviors linked to cognitive frustration and sensory overload. Test your knowledge on the complexities of autism and PTSD in children.