Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following developmental disorders are included in Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Which of the following developmental disorders are included in Autism Spectrum Disorder?
What is one of the proposed causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
What is one of the proposed causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Which symptom is commonly associated with social communication difficulties in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Which symptom is commonly associated with social communication difficulties in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
At what age do symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder typically begin to appear?
At what age do symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder typically begin to appear?
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What is a characteristic behavior pattern of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
What is a characteristic behavior pattern of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
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Which of the following is NOT a known risk factor for developing Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Which of the following is NOT a known risk factor for developing Autism Spectrum Disorder?
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What method is commonly used for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder?
What method is commonly used for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder?
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Which of the following behaviors might indicate a sensory sensitivity in an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Which of the following behaviors might indicate a sensory sensitivity in an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
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Study Notes
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- A range of neurodevelopmental disorders affecting social and communication abilities.
- Includes autism, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and unspecified pervasive developmental disorder.
- Previously known as pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Reclassified to ASD in 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association.
- Begins in early childhood and persists throughout life.
- Affected approximately 6.22 million globally in 2015.
- More prevalent in males than females.
Causes
- Exact cause unknown.
- Research points to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- Risk factors include:
- Family history of ASD
- Male gender
- Specific genetic conditions (Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome)
- Older parental age
- Premature birth (before 26 weeks gestation)
- Other disorders like tuberous sclerosis.
Symptoms
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Typically appear by age two.
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Vary in severity, from mild to disabling.
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Social Communication & Interaction Symptoms:
- Poor eye contact and lack of facial expressions.
- Delayed or difficulty responding to being called.
- Resistance to cuddling and holding.
- Preference for solitary play.
- Challenges with verbal communication (using and understanding language).
- Difficulties with nonverbal communication (gestures, facial expressions).
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Aggressive behavior.
- Struggles expressing emotions, and understanding others' feelings.
- Unusual tone of voice (singsong or robot-like).
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Patterns of Behavior:
- Repetitive movements (rocking, spinning, hand flapping).
- Fixation or intense interest in specific objects or activities.
- Self-harming behaviors (head banging).
- Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory input (light, noise).
- Inflexible routines or rituals, distress from changes.
- Specific food preferences (limited foods, texture issues).
Diagnosis
- No single medical test exists.
- Genetic testing may be recommended to rule out genetic disorders.
- Observation of social skills and behavior.
- Assessment of developmental and behavioral issues through various tests.
- Diagnosis based on criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Treatment
- No cure for ASD.
- Early, intensive treatment can greatly improve a child's life.
- Treatment aims to improve functioning by reducing symptoms and fostering development and learning.
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Treatment Options:
- Therapy: Behavioral, communication, educational, family, speech, and occupational therapy are common approaches.
- Medications: While not addressing core ASD symptoms, antidepressants may help with anxiety, and antipsychotics might manage severe behavioral issues.
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Description
Explore the complexities of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a group of neurodevelopmental disorders impacting communication and socialization. This quiz covers the characteristics, causes, and prevalence of ASD, highlighting its significance in early childhood development. Test your knowledge on this important topic.
