Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Flashcards covering vocabulary related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including its definition, diagnostic criteria, causes, associated conditions, and evidence-based treatment approaches, based on lecture notes.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A complex neurodevelopmental condition affecting 1 in 31 children, characterized by a wide range of presentations and severities, with specific biological bases, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based interventions.

Spectrum (in ASD)

Refers to the wide variability in how Autism Spectrum Disorder presents among individuals, encompassing diverse symptoms, abilities, and challenges.

Core Domains of ASD Symptoms

Persistent challenges in social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

ASD Prevalence (2022 CDC data)

Affects 1 in 31 children in the United States.

DSM-5-TR

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision, which uses Autism Spectrum Disorder as an umbrella diagnosis encompassing previously separate conditions.

Atypical Neural Connectivity

Altered patterns of communication between brain regions, particularly affecting social cognition networks in individuals with ASD.

Genetic Factors (ASD)

Approximately 50% heritability, involving diverse mutational pathways across multiple genes, influencing ASD risk.

Social Brain Network Dysfunction (ASD)

Impaired function in brain areas like the amygdala, fusiform gyrus, and prefrontal cortex, contributing to social communication challenges in ASD.

Environmental Risk Factors (ASD)

Includes advanced parental age (maternal and paternal) and maternal conditions during pregnancy such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

DSM-5-TR Social Communication Deficits

Diagnostic criteria for ASD including deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communicative behaviors, and difficulties developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships.

DSM-5-TR Restricted, Repetitive Behaviors

Diagnostic criteria for ASD including stereotyped or repetitive movements, use of objects, or speech; insistence on sameness; highly restricted, fixated interests; and hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input.

ASD Specifiers

Additional descriptors in the DSM-5-TR for ASD, such as intellectual impairment, language impairment, known medical/genetic condition or environmental factor, associated neurodevelopmental/mental/behavioral disorder, and with catatonia.

Echolalia

The repetitive use of phrases or words, either immediate or delayed, observed in individuals with ASD.

Prosody Differences (ASD)

Atypical rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech in individuals with ASD, which can include a monotone or unusually high-pitched voice, or flattened stress patterns.

Hypersensitivity/Hyposensitivity to Sensory Input

Unusual responses to sensory stimuli from the environment, such as aversion to loud noises (hypersensitivity) or indifference to pain (hyposensitivity), present in ASD.

Differential Diagnosis (ASD)

The process of distinguishing ASD from other conditions with overlapping symptoms, such as intellectual disability without ASD features, ADHD, or anxiety disorders.

M-CHAT-R/F

An initial screening tool for toddlers (16-30 months) to identify potential signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule)

A comprehensive evaluation tool used for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Co-morbid Conditions (ASD)

Additional physical and mental health challenges frequently experienced by individuals with ASD, such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, GI issues, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression.

Pharmacological Treatment (ASD)

Medications used to manage specific behavioral challenges (e.g., irritability, aggression with risperidone/aripiprazole) and co-occurring conditions (e.g., ADHD with stimulants) in ASD, not to cure core symptoms.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

A systematic application of learning principles to improve social communication and reduce problematic behaviors in individuals with ASD, using positive and negative reinforcement.

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

An evidence-based therapy that combines Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with developmental and relationship-based approaches for toddlers and young children with ASD.

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

An augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system that teaches individuals with ASD to communicate by exchanging pictures for desired items or activities.

TEACCH Program

A structured teaching approach emphasizing visual supports, organized environments, and predictable routines to enhance learning and independence for individuals with ASD.

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Tailored legal documents that outline specific academic, social, and developmental goals and necessary supports for students with ASD in educational settings.

Neurodiversity Perspective

An viewpoint that embraces strengths alongside challenges, recognizing diverse cognitive styles as part of human variation, particularly relevant to understanding ASD.