Lesson 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder (Pt. 2)

Transes-Based

Leo Kanner

Etiology explains the cause or reason for the development of the Autism Spectrum Disorder, and _______ is the first to describe the cause or etiology of autism

60

Autism is a complex disorder, and its precise causes are unknown. Fortunately, breakthrough international research has implicated ______ contributing genes, with a high risk factor percentage of a child developing ASD.

90

Autism is a complex disorder, and its precise causes are unknown. Fortunately, breakthrough international research has implicated various contributing genes, with a ______ percent risk factor of a child developing ASD.

False

Since there is a clear heritable component that significantly contributes to ASD, the exact mode of genetic transmission is now said to be understood.

True or False

De Novo Mutations

It refers to genetic alterations that appear for the first time in a family member, meaning they are not inherited from either parent

Genetic Mutations

_________ have been reported to occur at higher rates in the sperm of older men, and there is now converging evidence that older father age at a child’s birth is associated with increased risk of ASD.

Environment

There is also strong evidence that states the ________ may play a role in the development of ASD. Explaining that the gene expression may be stimulated by certain _________ conditions.

True

It is known that neither is there one cause nor one cure for ASD. Rather, ADS appears to be an assortment of symptoms that require varied treatments.

True or False

Psychodynamic Theory

The ________ proposes that the child would withdraw from the mother’s rejection and erect defenses against psychological pain, retreating to an inner world without contact with the outside environment.

Vaccinations

Widespread media attention has led many to believe that ________ can cause autism. Theorizing that stimulation of the immune system with this may result in damage to the developing brain, thereby causing abnormal neural pathway development, which leads to autism.

Cognitive/Behavioral

Theory-of-mind deficits, executive functioning difficulties, and weak central coherence are only some of the ________ issues that are exhibited by individuals with ASD

Motor

Clumsiness, unusual gait, tiptoe walking are only some of the ________ issues that are exhibited by individuals with ASD

Behavioral Risks

Self-injury and disruptive behaviors are only some of the ________ that are exhibited by individuals with ASD

Catatonia-Like Symptoms

________ are rare in individuals with ASD, especially in adolescence

24

ASD typically emerges in early childhood, with first signs often seen between 12 and _______ months. Some cases present even earlier, particularly when developmental delays are severe.

Early Childhood

In the development and course, it is during ________ when the strongest symptoms, social withdrawal, and repetitive play is prevalent

School Age

In the development and course, it is during ________ when some developmental gains, especially in social interest are prevalent

Adolescence

In the development and course, it is during ________ in which most improve and only a small portion deteriorates

Adulthood

In the development and course, it is during ________ where outcomes may vary—some achieve independence, others require support. Masking social challenges can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress.

Late Diagnosis

In the development and course, ________ may occur in adulthood, which is often triggered by family or workplace issues.

True

The long-term outcome of ASD depends heavily on the presence of intellectual or language impairments

True or False

5

Functional language by age ______ is a strong predictor of better prognosis, while comorbidities like epilepsy and mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression) worsen outlook

Environmental Risks

Advanced parental age, extreme prematurity, and prenatal exposure to drugs/teratogens are only some of the few ________ that may pose as risk and prognostic factors for ASD

Genetic Risks

Heritability ~80%; ~15% cases linked to specific genetic mutations, where most cases are polygenic are only some of the few ________ that may pose as risk and prognostic factors for ASD

Good

It is classified as a _______ prognostic sign if by the age of 5, the intellectual disability is no longer present

Poorer

It is classified as a _______ prognostic sign if comorbid epilepsy, severe language delay, and additional mental health problems continue to persists

ADOS

It is a standardized, semi-structured assessment tool based on play and interviews designed to assess individuals for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through the observation of social communication, interactions, and repetitive or restricted behaviors

ADI™-R

It is a thorough instrument that evaluates behaviors associated with social engagement, communication and language, as well as restricted interests.

ADI™-R

The ______ is utilized alongside other evaluations, such as the ADOS, as a component of a thorough assessment procedure for children and adults

Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)

It is a well-known 20-item assessment created for children aged 16 to 30 months. However, recent findings indicate that ______ might not be as effective in screening females and children from minority, urban, and low-income backgrounds

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire

It is a comprehensive developmental assessment instrument that evaluates developmental difficulties at particular ages

Ages & Stages Questionnaire, 3rd Edition (ASQ-3)

It is the current latest version of the trusted screening assessment that gives you and your families invaluable insight into developmental delays that may affect your children.

CSBS DP Infant-Toddler Checklist

It is a norm-referenced screening and evaluation tool that helps determine the communicative competence of children with a functional communication age between 6 months and 24 months

Childhood Autism Rating Scale, 2nd Edition (CARS-2)

It is a clinical tool for trained professionals to assess Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in individuals aged 2 and older through direct observation and caregiver reports.

Diagnostic Interview for Social & Communication Disorders (DISCO)

It is a semi-structured interview schedule used by trained professionals to assess individuals across all ages and ability levels for autism spectrum and related disorders

Multidisciplinary Approach

Assessing and treating Autism Spectrum Disorder mostly utilizes a _______ approach consisting of, but not limited to, psychological and medical treatment

Speech and Language Therapy

It is crucial in the early years of a child with ASD and boosts language development and skills needed to express themselves

Occupational Therapy

It targets sensory processing, motor skills, and practical life skills, teaches skills that help the person live independently, and allow individuals to adjust to their surroundings and actively engage in their community.

Sensory Integration Therapy

It helps in processing and responding to sensory information that may be restrictive or overwhelming

Applied Behavioral Analysis

It helps us understand how behavior works, how it is affected by the environment, and the steps we can take to further reinforce positive behaviors in learning by breaking large tasks into small, manageable parts, it also reinforces successive approximations to the goal

Positive Behavior Intervention and Support

It analyzes the function of a challenging behavior, creating structures that reduce the barriers to engaging in more appropriate behaviors while utilizing individual preferences to make support plans and develop specialized interventions

Medical Treatments

Various _______ have been used for persons with ASD, mainly to alleviate symptoms rather than “cure” autism. Some of its benefits include the possibility of the child having reduced symptoms, functioning better, sleeping better, and fitting in better with peers.