Neurodevelopmental Disorders: ASD and ADHD

Practice flashcards covering the definitions, diagnostic criteria, aetiology, assessment, and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

What is the definition of neurodevelopment according to the lecture?

How the brain organises itself and works in daily life, starting around conception until early adulthood.

How is the term 'Neurodiversity' defined?

A term used to describe individual differences in brain development and processes.

What are the key characteristics of neurodevelopmental disorders?

Onset during infancy and childhood, typically with a steady course, and developmental deficits that impair personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning.

According to ABS (2022), what was the estimated prevalence of Autism in Australia?

Approximately $1-2\%$ of the population, or $290,000$ people.

What are the two major domains of deficit in the DSM-5-TR criteria for ASD?

Deficits in social communication and social interaction (Criteria A) and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities (Criteria B).

What are the three levels of severity for ASD specifiers?

Level 1: Requiring support; Level 2: Requiring substantial support; Level 3: Requiring very substantial support.

Which five disorders were combined into a unified diagnosis of 'Autism Spectrum Disorder' in the DSM-5?

Autism, Asperger’s Disorder, Rett’s Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and PDD Not Otherwise Specified.

What is the heritability rate of ASD based on twin concordance rates?

Between $37-90\%.$

How does mTOR hyperactivation contribute to ASD according to the biological perspective?

It causes excessive protein synthesis that promotes synapse growth and slows the synaptic pruning process, leading to an increased number of synapses.

What is 'masking' in the context of ASD?

The development of compensatory strategies to deal with social challenges, often involving conscious calculation of behaviors that are socially intuitive for others.

What are the three components required for an effective early intervention program in ASD?

Family involvement/support/education, natural learning environments, and continuity of care.

What is the prevalence of ADHD in children under $18$ in Australia?

Estimated at $5\%.$

What is the required age of onset for ADHD symptoms in the DSM-5-TR?

Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms must be present before age $12$ years.

What are the three presentation specifiers for ADHD?

Primarily Inattentive, Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive, and Combined Presentation.

Explain the Hypoarousal of the CNS theory of ADHD.

The brain operates at a chronically low arousal level, making it difficult to sustain attention, leading to hyperactivity/impulsivity as a way to autoregulate.

According to Dynamic Developmental Theory, how does impaired dopaminergic transmission affect behavior?

It creates a steeper delay of reinforcement gradient where stimuli lose value quicker, leading to sensation seeking to compensate.

What are the primary neurotransmitters targeted by ADHD stimulant medications?

Dopamine ($DA$) and Norepinephrine ($NE$).

How does Methylphenidate ($Ritalin$) function as a stimulant?

It acts as a $DA$ and $NE$ reuptake inhibitor by blocking the dopamine transporter ($DAT$) and norepinephrine transporter ($NET$).

List common side effects of pharmacological treatment for ADHD.

Appetite/weight loss, gastrointestinal upset, trouble sleeping, and headaches.

What are some 'neuroaffirming' alternatives to traditional medical terms for ASD traits?

'Monotropic Focus' instead of restricted interests, 'Stimming' instead of repetitive behaviors, and 'Specific Support Needs' instead of high/low functioning.