Childhood Disorders: ADHD and Autism

Flashcards covering the classification, diagnostic criteria, biological factors, and treatments for childhood disorders including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder based on lecture notes.

Developmental psychopathology

The study of childhood disorders within the context of normal child development, focusing on how disorders manifest differently across age groups.

Inattention (ADHD Criteria)

A pattern requiring six or more symptoms for children up to age $16$, or five or more for those $17$ and older, present for at least $6$ months, such as failing to give close attention to details or trouble organizing tasks.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity (ADHD Criteria)

A pattern requiring six or more symptoms for children up to age $16$, or five or more for those $17$ and older, present for at least $6$ months, including behaviors like fidgeting, talking excessively, or blurting out answers.

ADHD Age Criterion

According to the DSM-5, several symptoms of ADHD must be present before the age of $12$.

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

A type of ADHD characterized by distractibility and significant difficulty concentrating.

Combined Presentation

A type of ADHD where both the criteria for inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity are met.

ADHD Prevalence Rate

An estimated prevalence of $3-7\%$ of the population, appearing more commonly in boys.

ADHD Heritability

Genetic factors are highly significant in ADHD, with heritability estimates ranging from $70\%$ to $80\%Inline$.

Dopamine Genes in ADHD

Two specific genes implicated in the disorder: a dopamine receptor gene and a dopamine transporter gene.

Frontal Lobes (ADHD)

A neuroanatomical area found to be smaller and underactive in individuals with ADHD.

Maternal Nicotine Use

A prenatal factor that can interfere with the wiring of the dopaminergic system and contribute to ADHD.

Stimulant Medications

Common ADHD treatments like Ritalin and Adderall that increase dopamine to improve attention, concentration, and goal-directed behavior.

Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD)

The former diagnostic category that included Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and similar disorders before they were merged into Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Deficits in Social-Emotional Reciprocity

A DSM-5 diagnostic criterion for ASD involving impairments in social communication and interaction.

Stereotyped or Repetitive Movements

A criterion for ASD that includes simple motor stereotypies, lining up toys, flipping objects, or echolalia.

Joint Attention

A social attachment behavior often absent in infants with classic Autistic Disorder, characterized by shared focus on an object.

Echolalia

A communication impairment in classic autism where the individual repeats words or phrases they hear.

Pronoun Reversal

An impairment in communication where an individual says "you" instead of "me."

Asperger Syndrome

Formerly a distinct disorder, often called high-functioning autism, characterized by unimpaired language and cognitive skills but difficulties with social cues and appropriateness.

ASD Gender Ratio

The occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder is more common in boys by a ratio of $4:1$.

ASD Concordance Rates in Twins

Identical twins show a concordance rate of $60\%$ to $91\%$, while fraternal twins show $0-21\%$, indicating a strong genetic influence.

Pruning

The process of trimming away extra neurons and neural connections in the first 1-2 years of life; improper pruning is theorized to cause larger brain sizes in autistic individuals.

Cerebellum

A brain structure where abnormalities are frequently found in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Operant Conditioning

The primary principle used in behavioral interventions and parent training for both ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.