Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Intellectual Disabilities (ID) Study Guide

Flashcards covering key vocabulary, definitions, disorders, treatments, and historical context related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disabilities (ID).

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication/interaction deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs).

Core Features of ASD

Social communication/interaction deficits (limited eye contact, poor reciprocity) and restricted, repetitive behaviors (stereotyped movements, insistence on sameness, fixated interests, sensory reactivity).

Associated Characteristics of ASD

Language impairments, uneven cognitive profile (splinter skills/savant abilities), and emotional regulation difficulties (tantrums, self-injury).

Onset of ASD Symptoms

Typically present early, before age 3.

Prevalence of ASD

Approximately 1 in 36 children; boys are affected 3–4 times more often than girls.

Etiology of ASD

Strong genetic heritability, neurobiological differences (atypical brain connectivity, amygdala, frontal lobe differences), and environmental risks (prenatal/perinatal complications).

Gold-standard tools for ASD assessment

ADOS-2, ADI-R, CARS, CHAT, ASSQ.

Asperger's Syndrome

A historical diagnosis, previously characterized by social/behavioral impairments without significant language delay, socially clumsy behavior, poor reciprocity, and rigid interests.

Rett's Disorder

A rare neurodevelopmental disorder almost exclusively in girls, caused by MECP2 mutation, with normal development until 5–30 months, followed by regression (hand-wringing, loss of skills, seizures).

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)

Also called Heller’s Syndrome, characterized by normal development until age 3–4, then regression in language, motor, social, and bladder/bowel skills; rare, mostly males.

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)

A trauma/neglect-related attachment disorder, not neurodevelopmental, caused by severe neglect/abuse, leading to withdrawal from caregivers and flat affect.

Non-Pharmacological Treatment for ASD

Behavioral interventions (Applied Behavior Analysis - ABA, Early Start Denver Model), educational support (IEPs), and family support.

SSRIs in ASD

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), used to reduce aggression, rituals, anxiety, and mood symptoms in ASD.

Risperidone

An antipsychotic medication that improves social relatedness and repetitive thoughts, FDA-approved for irritability in ASD (ages 6-17).

Aripiprazole

An antipsychotic medication, FDA-approved for irritability in ASD (ages 6-17).

Alpha-2 Agonists

Medications (e.g., clonidine, guanfacine) used in ASD to reduce hyperactivity and provide a calming effect.

Intellectual Disabilities (ID)

A neurodevelopmental disorder with onset before age 18, characterized by deficits in intellectual functioning, adaptive functioning, and onset during the developmental period.

Diagnostic Criteria for ID (DSM-5-TR)

Deficits in intellectual functioning (reasoning, problem-solving), adaptive functioning (conceptual, social, practical domains), and onset in the developmental period.

IQ Score in ID Diagnosis

Approximating 2 standard deviations below the mean (<70), but not sufficient alone; adaptive functioning must also be impaired.

Levels of Severity in ID

Mild, Moderate, Severe, and Profound, based on adaptive functioning rather than IQ alone.

Prevalence of ID

Approximately 1% of the population; more common in males, especially mild cases.

Etiology of ID

Genetic (Down syndrome, Fragile X, PKU), prenatal (alcohol exposure, infections), perinatal (birth trauma, hypoxia), and postnatal (traumatic brain injury, neglect).

Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales

A standardized tool used for assessing adaptive functioning in individuals with suspected intellectual disabilities.

Primary Prevention for ID

Prenatal screening, folic acid supplementation, maternal education, and avoidance of teratogens.

Eugenics Movement

A historical movement (late 1800s–1940s) that viewed IDD as 'evolutionary regression' and promoted sterilization of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The Arc

An organization formed by parents in 1950, advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Flynn Effect

The steady rise in IQ scores (approximately +3 points per decade) observed since the 1940s, attributed to factors like improved education, nutrition, and environmental stimulation.

Redlining and IQ Scores

Historical discriminatory housing policies that led to underfunded schools and fewer resources in certain districts, potentially contributing to lower average IQ/test scores among children.

Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB) in IDD

Behaviors such as head-banging, biting, or scratching that can be common in individuals with IDD; prognosis is generally unfavorable without intervention.

Pica

The persistent eating of non-nutritive, non-food substances, often seen in individuals with IDD; prognosis is generally unfavorable without intervention.

Down Syndrome

The most common chromosomal disorder causing IDD, also known as trisomy 21; risk increases with maternal age.

Fragile-X Syndrome

The most common inherited cause of IDD and the most common genetic cause of autism, more severely affecting males.

Prader–Willi Syndrome

A genetic disorder (abnormality on chromosome 15) characterized by short stature, low muscle tone, incomplete sexual development, IDD or learning problems, and an insatiable appetite leading to obesity.

Angelman Syndrome

A genetic disorder (abnormality on chromosome 15) with features including moderate to severe IDD, ataxia, jerky movements, hand flapping, seizures, and absence of speech.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

A recessive single-gene disorder causing the inability to metabolize phenylalanine, leading to brain damage and IDD if not detected early and managed with lifelong dietary restriction.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

The leading preventable cause of IDD due to prenatal alcohol exposure, including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Teratogens

Agents, such as rubella, syphilis, lead, or certain medications, that can cause developmental abnormalities or IDD when exposed prenatally.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

An evidence-based behavioral intervention frequently used for children with both ASD and IDD to teach practical skills and modify challenging behaviors.

Shaping

A behavioral therapy technique involving reinforcing progressively closer approximations of a target behavior until the desired skill is mastered.

Self-Instructional Training

A CBT technique that teaches children to use verbal cues (self-talk) to process information, stay on task, and approach new tasks methodically.