Module 14.4 Autism Spectrum Disorders

autism spectrum disorder

family of psychological disorders marked by impaired social and emotional exchange and other symptoms

folic acid

vitamin that is important for development of the nervous system

In what way is the genetic basis of autism similar to that of schizophrenia?:

A) In both, most cases can be traced to a mutation in the DISC1 gene.

B) In both, many genes contribute.

C) In both, a single dominant gene is responsible for the condition.

D) In both, the genes exert their effects by altering serotonin reuptake.

B) In both, many genes contribute.

Which of these is commonly observed for children with autism?:

A) If they see someone's eyes, they quickly look away.

B) Eyes usually fail to capture their attention.

C) When they see someone's eyes, they stare uninterrupted for an unusually long time.

D) They move their eyes back and forth more rapidly than usual.

B) Eyes usually fail to capture their attention.

The probability of autism increases if which of these is true?

A) The mother was significantly taller than the father.

B) The mother was a vegetarian, but the father was not.

C) The mother and father came from different ethnic groups.

D) The father was much older than average.

D) The father was much older than average.

Which of the following is common for children with autism, at age one year?:

A) The brain's norepinephrine concentration is 10 percent higher than average.

B) The axons conduct impulses 10 percent faster than average.

C) The head is 10 percent larger than average.

D) The cerebral ventricles are 10 percent larger than average.

C) The head is 10 percent larger than average.

What dietary supplement during pregnancy decreases the probability of having a child with autism?

Folic acid

In what way is the genetic basis of autism similar to that of schizophrenia?

A) In both, many genes contribute.

B) In both, a single dominant gene is responsible for the condition.

C) In both, most cases can be traced to a mutation in the DISC1 gene.

D) In both, the genes exert their effects by altering serotonin reuptake.

A) In both, many genes contribute.

The primary symptoms of autism spectrum disorders include ____.

A) deficits in social exchanges

B) excessive, unwavering eye contact

C) severe intellectual disabilities

D) extremely powerful memory skills

A) deficits in social exchanges

Carly is considering becoming pregnant. To reduce the risk of her child

having autism, doctors are urging her to increase her intake of _____.

A) folic acid

B) vitamin D

C) protein

D) acetic acid

A) folic acid

Which of these is commonly observed for children with autism?

A) When they see someone's eyes, they stare uninterrupted for an unusually

long time.

B) They move their eyes back and forth more rapidly than usual.

C) If they see someone's eyes, they quickly look away.

D) Eyes usually fail to capture their attention.

D) Eyes usually fail to capture their attention.