Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Questions and Answers

What was one of Kanner's beliefs about the nature of autism during the early diagnosis period?

Autism is closely related to childhood schizophrenia.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder related to genetic predisposition.

Autism is an escape from reality. (correct)

Autism is primarily the result of environmental influences.

Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with Asperger’s Syndrome?

Deficiency in empathic responding

Stilted speech patterns

Normal intelligence

Severe cognitive impairment (correct)

How did early perceptions of autism incorrectly attribute the cause of the disorder?

By linking it to environmental toxins like pesticides.

Due to ineffective parenting styles. (correct)

Through genetic factors and family background.

As a result of infant vaccinations.

What is the current understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in relation to neurodevelopment?

ASD is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders unrelated to parenting. Signup and view all the answers

What notable change occurred regarding the classification of Asperger’s Syndrome in DSM-5?

It was merged into the ASD category. Signup and view all the answers

According to historical perspectives, parents of autistic children were often viewed as what?

Contradictory communicators and emotionally withholding. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom associated with Asperger’s Syndrome?

Stilted and monotonous speech patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What misconception about autism treatment was prevalent historically?

Parenting techniques could cure autism. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following individuals is most commonly associated with the early study of autism and may have influenced its diagnosis?

Leo Kanner Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding the characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome is accurate?

Social interactions may be awkward but cognitive abilities are often intact. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common misconception about the cause of autism in historical contexts?

Parental neglect. Signup and view all the answers

What is one proposed neurodevelopmental basis for Autistic Spectrum Disorder?

Underdevelopment of social networks in the brain. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has been dismissed as a significant cause of ASD, despite historical speculation?

Infant vaccines. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of lower-functioning ASD in children?

Social withdrawal and lack of interest in peers Signup and view all the answers

Which genetic condition is the most common known cause of ASD?

Fragile X Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is the incorrect perception about the causes of autism in historical discussions?

Vaccines are a direct cause of ASD. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sensory problem often seen in children with lower-functioning ASD?

Hyper-sensitivity to touch and sounds Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of Asperger’s Syndrome compared to lower-functioning ASD?

High verbal capabilities and normal cognitive functioning Signup and view all the answers

Which behavioral characteristic is often present in individuals with lower-functioning ASD?

Repetitive body movements and narrow interests Signup and view all the answers

Which is a common comorbidity identified in individuals diagnosed with lower-functioning ASD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Signup and view all the answers

Which behavioral pattern is characteristic of a diagnosis of Childhood Disintegrative Disorder?

Normal development followed by significant regression Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is widely accepted as a risk factor for ASD, based on contemporary research?

Advanced paternal age Signup and view all the answers

Which risk factors are associated with an increased likelihood of developing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Older parental age, especially fathers Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable brain finding in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

67% more neurons in the prefrontal cortex Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is NOT commonly associated with managing Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Surgery to alter neurotransmitter levels Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between vaccines and Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Childhood vaccines have no credible evidence linking them to ASD. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible outcome for lower-functioning individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

They often require long-term custodial care. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Autistic Spectrum Disorder in the DSM-5-TR classification?

Early-onset impairments in social interaction and communication. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects a common misconception about Autism historically?

Autism primarily affects females more than males. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for individuals with lower-functioning ASD?

Language acquisition and social skills Signup and view all the answers

Which level of functioning in ASD indicates the need for 24/7 care?

Level 3 Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the current understanding of Kanner's etiology for early infantile autism?

It combines genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors. Signup and view all the answers

What medical condition is commonly co-morbid with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Seizures due to Rett Syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What neurodevelopmental characteristic is commonly found in individuals with ASD?

Restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is recommended for educational intervention in high-functioning individuals with ASD?

1:1 teaching environment with focus on language Signup and view all the answers

In Kanner’s etiology for 'early infantile autism,' which factor was mistakenly emphasized?

Parental coldness. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a risk factor for developing ASD?

Low socioeconomic status. Signup and view all the answers

What treatment approach is commonly utilized for individuals diagnosed with ASD?

Behavioral therapies designed for social skills development. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant brain finding associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Decreased neural connectivity in social brain regions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes historical treatment perceptions of Autism?

Belief in the need for psychoanalytic therapy. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of autism is emphasized in current diagnostics compared to historical frameworks?

The spectrum nature and range of functioning. Signup and view all the answers

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Taylor Swift Fan "Amnesia"

Fans paid hundreds of dollars and endured rain to see Taylor Swift
After the 40-song show, many fans couldn't recall details of the performance.

DSM-5-TR Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder
Includes various intellectual, perceptual, and communication disorders
Includes a range of syndromes, with early onset impairments
Social interaction and communication deficits
Restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behaviors, interests, and activities
About 1 in 150 children have ASD; 5-10 times more common in males
Includes levels of functioning:
- Level 1: Relatively high-functioning; independent living
- Level 2: Moderate functioning; capable of semi-independent living
- Level 3: Serious communication and repetitive behaviors; requires 24/7 care and medication

Signs of Lower-Functioning ASD

Problems in verbal and nonverbal communication:
- No babbling, gesturing, or pointing by 12 months
- Absence of speech or echolalic speech
- Social withdrawal, limited interest in peers
- Poor eye contact, difficulty with "joint attention"
- Failure to initiate or respond to social interactions
Sensory problems:
- Hypersensitivity or indifference to touch, smells, sounds, pain
- Absence of startle response to loud noises
Repetition and Preference for Sameness:
- Repetitive body movements (e.g., hand-flapping)
- Perseveration (getting stuck on a specific topic or task)
- Very narrow set of interests, over-focus on preferred activities
Co-diagnosis of ADHD is common

Comorbid Medical Conditions

70% of ASD cases have no apparent medical disorder
30% of ASD cases are diagnosed with an associated medical condition, including:
- Fragile X syndrome: most common known genetic cause of ASD and intellectual disability.
- Rett syndrome: genetic mutation affecting mostly females with infantile deterioration
- Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome)
- Others

Older Classifications within ASD

No longer diagnosed separately in DSM-5 and DSM-5-TR:
- Higher-functioning: Asperger's Syndrome
- Lower-functioning:
  - Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
  - Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

"Early Infantile Autism"

Introduced by Leo Kanner at Johns Hopkins University (1943)
Autism seen as a way to avoid reality.
Parents sometimes blamed for the disorder
Confusion with childhood schizophrenia

ASD as a Set of Congenital Disorders

ASD is a set of congenital disorders.

Adult ASD in Rain Man (1988)

Movie depicting an adult with ASD

"Asperger's Syndrome"

Pioneered by Hans Asperger in 1944.
Mostly known from the 1980s
High-functioning: normal intelligence with autism features
Deficient empathy and social skills
Routines and interests dominate speech
Potential for odd posturing, nervous tics, hand-flapping, violent outbursts, and sensory hypersensitivity

High-Functioning, High Profile

List of high-profile individuals who are/were speculated to have ASD

High-Functioning ASD People on TV

Fictional characters displayed on TV who have ASD traits
Shaun Murphy, Sheldon Cooper and Amy Farrah Fowler

Is High-Functioning ASD a Disorder?

Temple Grandin (Professor of animal science)
Advocate for neurodiversity and spectrum of human differences

Etiology of ASD

A number of different types of ASD with varied causes
Potential genetic links and chromosomal abnormalities
600-1200 genes possibly linked to ASD
Genetic markers, epigenetic, and possible prenatal complications
Brain findings including overabundance of neurons (67% more than norm) and over-wiring of connections in ASD brains

How is ASD Treated?

Early behavioral intervention:
- Self-care and social skills training
- ABA therapy (autism behavior analysis) for lower-functioning
- Social-scripts training for higher-functioning
Structured educational environment
Medication (optional):
- Ritalin for ADHD-like behaviors
- Anticonvulsants/antipsychotics (if needed) for outbursts, seizures
Family therapy and ABA are used to improve family dynamics

Fridlund's Last Lecture for ASB (2012)

Alan Fridlund's final lecture from 2012

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