Autism Spectrum Disorder RRBs and Interests

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the restricted and repetitive behaviors as defined by DSM-5?

Impaired social interaction (correct)

Highly restricted interests

Stereotyped motor movements

Insistence on sameness

Level 1 in the severity dimension of ASD requires no support.

False

What do the severity levels in DSM-5 indicate regarding support needs?

They indicate the amount of support needed, from Level 1 (requiring support) to Level 3 (requiring very substantial support).

A core feature of ASDs includes restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviors or interests, which must include at least two of the following: stereotyped motor movements, insistence on _______, and highly restricted interests.

sameness Signup and view all the answers

Match the following features with their descriptions:

Social-emotional reciprocity = Difficulty in sharing emotions with others Repetitive speech = Echoing phrases or sounds heard before Sensory interests = Strong attraction or aversion to sensory stimuli Unusual preoccupations = Intense focus on specific topics or activities Signup and view all the answers

What disorder may qualify for a diagnosis of Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder according to the DSM-5?

Children with social communication deficits and one or no repetitive behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Asperger's Disorder is still recognized as a separate diagnosis in the DSM-5.

False Signup and view all the answers

What gene is associated with Rett's disorder?

MeCP2 Signup and view all the answers

Rett's disorder is characterized by the loss of purposeful hand movements, replaced by __________.

repetitive hand mannerisms Signup and view all the answers

Match the following disorders with their key characteristics:

Asperger's Disorder = Impaired social ability with no significant language delay Rett's Disorder = Progressive loss of motor skills and purposeful hand movements Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder = Social communication deficits with minimal repetitive behaviors Autistic Disorder = Varied symptoms including social challenges and repetitive behaviors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors (RRBs) in ASDs

ASDs feature restricted and repetitive patterns, including motor movements, insistence on routines, fixated interests, and sensory reactions.
Symptoms severity is categorized in DSM-5 from Level 1 (support needed) to Level 3 (very substantial support).
Language disorder and intellectual disability are classified separately as ancillary features.

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

Social communication and interaction impairments require all criteria present:
- Impaired social-emotional reciprocity.
- Deficient nonverbal communication.
- Difficulty in maintaining peer relationships.
At least two RRB characteristics must be identified:
- Repetitive behaviors or speech.
- Insistence on sameness and unique interests.
- Sensory interests.

Diagnostic Changes and Historical Context

Asperger’s Disorder is no longer a separate diagnosis in DSM-5, previously defined by impaired social ability and RRBs without language delays.
Controversy persists on the distinction between autistic disorder and Asperger's regarding genetics, treatment, and outcomes.
Rett’s Disorder, affecting primarily females (1 in 10,000–15,000), is marked by typical early development followed by motor and social skills regression, often involving repetitive hand movements.

Individuals with ASD may experience difficulties in executive functioning, affecting working memory, inhibition, and self-monitoring.
Weak central coherence theory suggests challenges in processing information globally, leading to difficulties in abstract thinking and problem-solving.
Social motivation theories indicate reduced inclination to engage with social stimuli, impeding typical social skill development.
Poor “theory of mind” affects understanding others' thoughts and intentions, complicating social interactions.

Risk Factors and Etiology

High heritability of autism is supported by twin studies; genetic polymorphisms and environmental influences may contribute.
Risk factors include being a younger sibling of an affected child, premature birth, advanced paternal age, and obstetric complications.

Epidemiology and Prevalence

Autism prevalence has increased over the past 30 years, with CDC reporting one in 68 children affected; boys (1 in 42) are more commonly diagnosed than girls (1 in 189).
Debate exists about whether the increase reflects true prevalence rises or improved diagnostic practices and awareness.
The male-to-female ratio of ASDs is approximately 4:1, though it approaches 2:1 in those with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities.

Life Expectancy and Mortality

Individuals with ASDs experience reduced life expectancy, with increased mortality linked to seizures and accidents (suffocation, drowning).
Elevated death rates are particularly significant among those with severe intellectual disabilities.

Screening Tools

Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) identifies elevated autism risk; broad developmental screening is recommended at various ages.
Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) assesses autism severity through a 15-item behavioral rating scale.

Presentation and Progression

ASD can be reliably diagnosed by 18–24 months; signs may appear as early as 6 months.
Behavior presentation varies significantly across individuals and development, with distinct stages seen primarily in Rett’s disorder.

Description

This quiz focuses on the restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) and interests that are core features of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) as outlined in the DSM-5. Participants will explore definitions and examples of these behaviors, which include stereotyped movements and insistence on sameness. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for professionals working with individuals with ASDs.