Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Criteria

What are the three disorders categorized as Neurodevelopmental Disorders in the DSM-5?

Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disorder.

What is the fundamental difference between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability?

Autism Spectrum Disorder focuses on social communication and interaction deficits, while Intellectual Disability focuses on intellectual and adaptive functioning.

What does Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) incorporate that was previously considered a separate diagnosis?

ASD incorporates what was previously referred to as Asperger's Disorder.

What change occurred in the DSM-5 regarding the classification of Autistic Disorder?

Autistic Disorder was reclassified as Autism Spectrum Disorder, emphasizing degrees of severity and combinations.

What are the three core deficits reflected in Criterion A of the diagnostic criteria for ASD?

Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors, and deficits in developing and maintaining relationships.

What does Criterion B of the diagnostic criteria for ASD focus on?

It focuses on restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

What is the minimum number of symptoms required for Criterion B of ASD to be met?

At least two symptoms must be present.

Give an example of a behavior that reflects Criterion B for ASD.

Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, such as lining up toys or echolalia.

What is an example of a restricted interest as per Criterion B for ASD?

A strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects.

What does the term 'insistence on sameness' refer to in the context of ASD?

It refers to inflexible adherence to routines or ritualized patterns of behavior.

What is the significance of symptoms being present across multiple settings for ASD diagnosis?

It ensures that the symptoms are consistent and not limited to a single context.

What is the time frame for the presence of ASD symptoms as per the diagnostic criteria?

Symptoms must be present consistently over the past 6 months.

What type of behaviors might indicate hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input in ASD?

Indifference to pain/temperature, adverse responses to specific sounds or textures, or excessive interest in sensory aspects.

How does the DSM-5 approach the severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

It recognizes degrees of severity rather than an all-or-nothing classification.

What is one example of a deficit in social-emotional reciprocity as per Criterion A?

Failure to initiate or respond to social interactions.

What does 'deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors' include?

Abnormalities in eye contact, body language, or understanding gestures.

What is the role of social context in the development of relationships for individuals with ASD?

Individuals with ASD may have difficulties adjusting behavior to suit various social contexts.

What was the previous classification of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the DSM-IV-TR?

It was previously classified as Autistic Disorder.

What is the importance of the DSM-5 in relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder?

It provides updated diagnostic criteria and recognizes the spectrum nature of autism.

What are the implications of combining different disorders under Autism Spectrum Disorder in the DSM-5?

It allows for a more nuanced understanding of the varying presentations and severities of autism.

What is a key characteristic of the social interaction deficits in ASD?

Difficulties in sharing imaginative play or making friends.

How does the DSM-5 define the term 'restricted interests' in the context of ASD?

Interests that are highly focused and abnormal in intensity or focus.

What are highly restricted, fixated interests in the context of ASD?

Interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus, such as strong attachment to unusual objects or excessively circumscribed interests.

What is hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input in ASD?

An unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment, including indifference to pain/temperature, adverse responses to specific sounds or textures, and excessive smelling or touching of objects.

What is the requirement for the presence of ASD symptoms across settings?

The symptoms must be present consistently across multiple settings over the past 6 months.

What is the minimum number of symptoms required for Criterion B for ASD?

At least 2 symptoms must be present.

What is the significance of the early developmental period in ASD diagnosis?

Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period but may not fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities.

What does Criterion D state about the impact of ASD symptoms?

Symptoms must cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.

What does Criterion E specify regarding ASD symptoms?

These disturbances are not better explained by intellectual disability or global developmental delay.

What is the severity level that requires the least support in ASD?

Level 1—requiring support.

What does Level 2 severity in ASD indicate?

Requiring substantial support.

What is the most severe level of support required in ASD?

Level 3—requiring very substantial support.

What are the core deficits in social interaction associated with ASD?

Deficits in social and emotional reciprocity, unusual nonverbal behaviors, limited social expressiveness, and atypical processing of faces.

What is joint attention in the context of ASD?

The ability to coordinate attention to a social partner and an object or event of mutual interest.

What role does social imitation play in ASD?

It is a core deficit that affects the ability to engage in shared focus of attention and make-believe play.

What is the relationship between intellectual disability and ASD?

Intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder frequently co-occur, and social communication should be below expected levels for a comorbid diagnosis.

What is the significance of the case of Steven in relation to ASD?

It serves as a practical example for understanding the diagnostic criteria and core deficits of ASD.

What is the purpose of specifying severity in ASD diagnosis?

To determine the level of support required for the individual based on their functioning.

How can ASD symptoms be masked in later life?

Symptoms may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities or may be masked by learned strategies.

What is the impact of environmental factors on ASD?

They can be associated with known medical or genetic conditions affecting the severity of ASD.

What does 'with or without accompanying language impairment' indicate in ASD diagnosis?

It specifies whether the individual has language difficulties alongside their autism symptoms.

What is the importance of understanding atypical processing of faces in ASD?

It highlights the challenges individuals with ASD face in social interactions and emotional understanding.

What is one of the first signs of language impairment in children with ASD?

Inconsistent use of early preverbal communications.

What type of gestures do children with ASD typically use more often?

Protoimperative gestures rather than protodeclarative gestures.

What percentage of children with ASD do not develop any useful language?

About 50%.

What is a common regression period for children with ASD who begin to speak?

Between 12 and 30 months.

At what age do children with ASD typically develop language?

Usually before age 5.

What are some qualitative language impairments seen in children with ASD?

Pronoun reversals, echolalia, and perseverative speech.

What kind of impairments do children with ASD have in pragmatics?

Difficulty reading the social context, leading to inappropriate use of language.

What are the two types of gestures mentioned in relation to ASD?

Instrumental (to get someone to do something) and expressive (to convey feelings) gestures.

What are some examples of restricted and repetitive behaviors in ASD?

Stereotyped body movements, repetitive sensory and motor behaviors, insistence on sameness, and self-stimulatory behavior.

What are two theories explaining self-stimulatory behavior in children with ASD?

A craving for stimulation to excite their nervous system and a way to block out unwanted stimulation.

How do deficits in social and communication abilities impact learning in children with ASD?

They can hinder learning and create rigidity that is stressful for families.

What are the goals of intervention for children with ASD?

Minimize core problems, maximize independence and quality of life, and help the child and family cope effectively.

What is one approach to working with parents of children with ASD?

Understanding parental emotions such as guilt, frustration, and grief.

What is the purpose of training programs for parents of children with ASD?

To provide knowledge, psychoeducation, and support in how to work with their child.

What is the Pictures Exchange Communication System (PECS)?

A training program designed to help children with ASD communicate using pictures.

What types of schools are appropriate for children with ASD in South Africa?

Specialized schools for children with ASD or schools that cater specifically to their needs.

What is one example of a specialized school for children with ASD in South Africa?

Thulasizwe School of Autism.

What are some treatment strategies for children with ASD?

Engaging children in treatment, decreasing disruptive behaviors, teaching appropriate social behavior, and increasing functional communication.

What is the focus of the initial stages of treatment for children with ASD?

Building rapport and teaching learning-readiness skills.

What is discrete trial training?

A step-by-step approach to presenting a stimulus and requiring a specific response.

What is incidental training in the context of ASD treatment?

Strengthening behavior by capitalizing on naturally occurring opportunities.

What are some methods for reducing disruptive behaviors in children with ASD?

Rewarding competing behaviors, ignoring the behavior, and using punishment.

What is a priority in the treatment of ASD?

Teaching appropriate social behaviors.

What are the main treatment strategies for engaging children with ASD?

Engaging children in treatment, decreasing disruptive behaviors, teaching appropriate social behavior, increasing functional communication, promoting cognitive skills, and teaching adaptive skills.

What is the focus of the initial stages of treatment for ASD?

Building rapport and teaching learning-readiness skills.

What does discrete trial training involve?

A step-by-step approach to presenting a stimulus and requiring a specific response.

What are some strategies for reducing disruptive behaviors in children with ASD?

Rewarding competing behaviors, ignoring the disruptive behavior, and using punishment.

Why is teaching appropriate social behaviors a priority in the treatment of ASD?

It involves teaching the expression of emotions, which facilitates reciprocity.

What does social skills training for children with ASD include?

Initiating and maintaining interactions, turn-taking, and sharing.

What is the purpose of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)?

To teach spontaneous social communication skills through symbols (pictures) for requesting desired objects.

Who can train a child using PECS?

Parents, teachers, or therapists, usually in special schools or by occupational therapists.

What are the key components of early intervention for children with ASD?

Early, intensive, low student-teacher ratio, high structure, family inclusion, peer interactions, generalization, and ongoing assessment.

What topics are excluded from study in Chapter 6 regarding ASD?

Medical conditions and physical characteristics, prevalence and course of ASD, causes of ASD, medications, and childhood-onset schizophrenia.

How is autism spectrum disorder best characterized?

As a spectrum disorder due to the varying symptoms, abilities, and characteristics expressed in different combinations and degrees of severity.

What does it mean that ASD is not an 'all or nothing' phenomenon?

It indicates that ASD is a matter of degree, with symptoms and characteristics varying widely among individuals.