40 Questions
At what stage of development does the neuropathology of autism begin?
Prenatal or perinatal period
What is the increased chance of the other twin having ASD if one identical twin has ASD?
36% to 95%
What is the risk of developing ASD in a sibling if one child has ASD?
31%
What is the name of the gold-standard tool used to diagnose ASDs?
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS)
At what age can the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) be administered?
12 months
What is one of the populations at risk for developing ASDs?
Prematurely born infants
When do children with autism or PDD-NOS typically present with language delays?
Between 2-3 years of life
What is the duration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) assessment?
45 minutes to 1 hour
What is a common tonal abnormality observed in children with ASDs?
Hypotonia
Why is it essential to identify cognitive impairments in children with ASDs?
To develop a customized therapy plan
What is the primary goal of structuring the physical therapy treatment sessions for children with ASDs?
To prioritize goals based on the child's and family's highest need
How can clinicians ensure that children with ASDs understand and comply with instructions?
By using picture schedules and breaks
What is the significance of identifying sensory modulation impairments in children with ASDs?
To affect the child's engagement in the intervention plan
Why is it essential to remove or cover distractors in the room during physical therapy sessions?
To limit distractions
What is the significance of identifying key motor impairments in children with ASDs?
To plan for comprehensive activities
What is the primary objective of using visual models and hand-on-hand instruction in physical therapy sessions?
To ensure the child understands and complies with instructions
What is the benefit of using group activities when teaching a child with autism?
It reduces the child's anxiety
Why is it important to determine what works best for the child?
To cater to the child's individual needs
What should you do before giving instructions to the child?
Make sure the child is attending to you
What should you do if the child doesn't move correctly after the instruction?
Provide hand-on-hand feedback
Why is it essential to allow for free movement and improvisational activities?
To encourage the child to explore and problem-solve
What is the benefit of waiting after providing initial instructions?
It enables the child to explore spontaneously and actively problem-solve
Why is it important to allow the child to choose a theme or activity?
To provide an opportunity for the child to take ownership
What is the purpose of using external props in an activity?
To clarify the goals of the activity
What is the purpose of using a picture schedule or verbal commands?
To promote transitions and help the child keep track of the session
What should be considered when varying the routine of a child?
Start with small changes and be sensitive to their effects on the child
What is important for motor learning and should be encouraged within and across sessions?
Repetition
What can facilitate generalization to a different space and a different caregiver?
Practicing the same activities between sessions with different caregivers
Who can be used as models for the child?
Peers, paraprofessionals, caregivers, or the physical therapist
What is the purpose of putting up a rules sheet or listing of activities?
To describe the expectations from the child and the structure of the sessions
What should be used to communicate with a nonverbal child?
Sign language, gestural communication, visual picture schedules, and short verbal commands
Why is repetition important?
It is important for motor learning and should be encouraged within and across sessions
What is a common motor stereotypy exhibited by children with autism?
Whole body rocking
Why do children with ASDs cover their eyes or ears?
Because they are 'overresponsive' to certain visual and auditory inputs
What is a characteristic of walking patterns in children with ASDs?
Ataxic and parkinsonian
What is a common impairment in children with ASDs during functional activities?
Coordination impairments
What is a core social impairment in autism?
Poor use of hand and body gestures
What is a common finding in children with ASDs during standardized motor measures?
Impairments in running speed and agility
What is a characteristic of children with ASDs in terms of strength and tone?
Poor hand muscle strength
What is a finding in infants who later developed ASDs?
Presence of abnormal reflexes
Study Notes
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)
- ASDs are a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted behaviors and interests.
- Most children with ASDs also have significant perceptuo-motor impairments that require assessment and intervention.
Etiology and Risk Factors
- The neuropathology of autism begins during the prenatal or perinatal period of development.
- Genetics is a risk factor, with twin studies showing a 36%-95% chance of ASD in one identical twin if the other has ASD.
- Other risk factors include premature birth, older parents, and exposure to certain medications during gestation.
Diagnosis and Prognosis
- Children with ASDs typically present with language delays between 2-3 years of age.
- Trained clinicians use the Autism Observation Schedule (ADOS) to diagnose ASDs, which evaluates social reciprocity, communication, and stereotypical behaviors.
- The ADOS can be administered to individuals from 12 months to adulthood.
Impairments
- Motor impairments in ASDs include:
- Motor stereotypies (e.g., repetitive behaviors, object-related behaviors)
- Sensory overresponsiveness (e.g., covering eyes or ears)
- Resistance to change and compulsive behaviors
- Impaired motor coordination and arm function
- Poor use of hand and body gestures
- Gait and balance impairments in ASDs include:
- Ataxic or parkinsonian walking patterns
- Toe-walking
- Impaired static and dynamic balance
- Strength and tone impairments in ASDs include:
- Poor hand muscle strength
- Abnormal reflexes
- Hypotonia (especially in school-age children)
Evaluation and Synthesis
- Convey evaluation instructions in a manner the child can comprehend (e.g., using picture schedules, simplifying verbal commands)
- Identify cognitive impairments that affect motor activities (e.g., focus, hyperactivity, intellectual level)
- Identify sensory modulation impairments that affect engagement
- Identify key motor impairments and prioritize goals based on the child's and family's needs
Structuring Physical Therapy Treatment Sessions
- Principles for structuring physical therapy treatment sessions include:
- Structuring the environment (e.g., using just the right amount of space, limiting materials)
- Using various means of communication (e.g., verbal instructions, sign language, visual picture schedules)
- Repetition and practice (e.g., within and across sessions, with caregivers)
- Prompting and modeling (e.g., using peers, paraprofessionals, or caregivers to model actions)
- Active engagement (e.g., allowing for free movement and improvisational activities)
This quiz covers autism spectrum disorders, their symptoms, and the role of physical therapy in assessments and interventions for children with ASDs.
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