Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Overview

Flashcards covering definitions and key concepts related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on the DSM-5-TR.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent differences in social communication and interaction across contexts.

Core domains of ASD

Social communication/interaction and restricted/repetitive behaviors.

Symptoms in the social communication domain

• Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity

• Deficits in nonverbal communication

• Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships

Symptoms in the restricted/repetitive behaviors domain

At least two of these four are required:

1. Repetitive movements or speech (e.g., hand-flapping, echolalia)

2. Insistence on sameness or routines

3. Highly fixated interests

4. Unusual sensory responses (e.g., hypersensitivity)

Spectrum (in ASD)

Indicates a wide range of symptoms and severity across individuals.

DSM-5-TR severity levels for ASD

Level 1 (support), Level 2 (substantial support), Level 3 (very substantial support).

Timing of ASD symptoms

Aspergers must appear in the early developmental period.

Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder

Diagnosis given when social communication deficits are present without repetitive behaviors.

Person-first language

Language that emphasizes the person before the diagnosis (e.g., 'child with autism').

Identity-first language

Language preferred by many self-advocates, acknowledging autism as integral to identity.

Preferred language of many autistic people

'Autistic person' and 'on the autism spectrum.'

APA Inclusive Language Guidelines

Recommend using the terms preferred by the majority of the group.

Sensory responses in ASD

Hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, or a mix of both.

Characteristics of repetitive behaviors in ASD

High frequency, fixed repetition, and strong preference for sameness.

Examples of repetitive behaviors in ASD

Hand-flapping, echolalia, lining up toys.

Echolalia

Repeating back what others say, which can be immediate or delayed.

Benefits of echolalia

May support early language development and communication.

Fixated interest

An intense, focused interest in a specific topic or object.

Self-stimulation in ASD

Repetitive body or object movements to manage sensory input or emotions.

Sensory overresponsivity

Strong negative reactions to normal sensory input.

Prevalence of sensory differences in ASD

Over 90% of individuals show differences in at least two or three sensory areas.

Prevalence of coexisting medical conditions in autistic children

About 10% have a coexisting medical condition.

Common coexisting conditions with ASD

Seizures, sleep problems, obesity, GI symptoms.

Percentage of autistic children experiencing seizures

About 25% experience seizures.

Head growth pattern in autistic infants

Small at birth, rapid growth between 6-12 months, then slows in adolescence.