Neurodevelopmental Disorders - Practice Flashcards (Chapter 1-8)

A set of practice flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD, ADHD, ID, and SLD, their criteria, etiologies, assessments, interventions, and related controversies.

Why are neurodevelopmental disorders considered neurodevelopmental disorders?

Because they are neurologically based with differences in brain structure, development, and neural activity that emerge early in life, affecting development trajectories.

When do functional impairments typically appear for neurodevelopmental disorders?

During infancy and childhood; these are developmental patterns, not conditions that only start in adulthood.

What are the two DSM-5 criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Criterion A: persistent deficits in social communication and interaction; Criterion B: restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

Define joint attention.

The shared focus of two individuals on an object or event, requiring one person to direct another’s attention and both to attend to the same thing.

What are the four Section B symptom categories of ASD and how many must be present?

1) Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements or speech; 2) Insistence on sameness/inflexibility; 3) Restricted, fixation on specific interests; 4) Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory stimuli. At least two categories must be present.

Why are terms like 'high functioning' not used for ASD?

They are stigmatizing and relative; severity is described with levels (Level 1–3) indicating needed supports, not a single 'functioning' label.

What terminology change occurred regarding autism in DSM-5?

Previously separate diagnoses (e.g., Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder) were combined into Autism Spectrum Disorder under one umbrella.

What is echolalia in ASD?

The immediate or delayed repetition of words or phrases spoken by others.

What is scripting in ASD?

Using others’ words or phrases (often from media) as speech, sometimes for self-soothing or to communicate.

What are common behaviors described as 'stimming' in ASD?

Repetitive movements (e.g., hand-flapping, rocking) or repetitive rituals used to self-regulate.

What is the approximate prevalence of ASD in the U.S. population per DSM-5 estimates?

About 1–2% of the population; commonly cited as roughly 1 in 34 8-year-olds in some datasets.

Do vaccines cause autism according to the notes?

No. Vaccines do not cause autism; the original study was flawed and has not been replicated.

What assessments are used to diagnose ASD?

Clinical interviews, rating scales, behavioral observations, and an autism-specific assessment like the ADOS; often a multidisciplinary team is involved.

What is Intellectual Disability (ID) also called?

Intellectual Developmental Disorder; characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive functioning.

What are the three domains of adaptive functioning?

Conceptual (language, reasoning, memory), Social (interpersonal skills, empathy), Practical (daily living, personal care, job skills).

How is the severity of Intellectual Disability categorized?

Mild (approximately 50–70 IQ) to Moderate (35–40 to 50–55), Severe (20–25 to 35–40), Profound (<20–25). These ranges include measurement error.

What are common causes of Intellectual Disability?

Environmental deprivation, prenatal toxins, birth problems, head injury, genetic syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome); ~30% have no identifiable cause.

What is Specific Learning Disorder (SLD)?

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in learning and using academic skills (reading, writing, math) below expectations for age and cognitive level, with impairment.

What are the DSM focuses for SLD types?

Reading (dyslexia), Written expression (dysgraphia), Math (dyscalculia). These terms are common but not all DSM terms; DSM emphasizes the learning areas with impairment.

What characterizes dyslexia?

Difficulty decoding words due to deficits in phonemic/phonological awareness, affecting letter-sound mapping and reading fluency.

What characterizes dysgraphia?

Difficulty with writing, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, organization, and sometimes fine motor skills that affect writing.

What characterizes dyscalculia?

Math-specific learning difficulties, including number sense and mathematical reasoning.

How is SLD typically identified in schools?

Guidelines vary by state; prevalence ranges 5–15%; requires ruling out inadequate instruction and demonstrating impairment in at least one academic area beyond what would be expected from cognitive level.

What neural differences are associated with dyslexia?

Underactivation of language-related regions such as Wernicke’s area and the angular gyrus, with possible compensatory activation in other regions.

What is the main treatment approach for Specific Learning Disorder?

Evidence-based academic interventions targeted to the specific skill deficit, with ongoing progress monitoring and tailoring to the individual’s needs.

What are ADHD core types and their onset in the DSM-5?

Inattentive type, Hyperactive/Impulsive type, and Combined type; symptoms must onset before age 12 and be present in two or more settings.

What is a key genetic and neurobiological finding in ADHD?

High heritability (~76%), polygenic influences; dopamine-related genes with frontal lobe developmental differences affecting executive functioning.

What are common ADHD treatment approaches?

Stimulant medications (dopamine/norepinephrine effects) and behavioral interventions, including parent/teacher training, organizational strategies, and environmental supports.

What is a major reason for parent training in ADHD treatment?

To teach families how to implement reinforcing, structured strategies and support skill development in the child across settings.

What is meant by masking in ASD?

People with ASD may learn to mask or hide symptoms in social situations, which can be exhausting and contribute to mental health challenges.