2.2 autism spectrum disorder

Autism

spectrum disorder not degenerative, level 1 requiring support, level 2 requiring substantial support, and level 3 requiring very substantial support, parental age and sibling with disorder increase likeliness, males 4x more likely

Diagnostic criteria for autism

persistent deficits in social communication and social interactions across multiple context, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior interests or activities, symptoms must be present in childhood, symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in functioning, disturbances are not better explained by intellectual disability

Level 1 minimal support

awkward not disabled, hard making friends, can handle change, fidgeting

Level 2 substantial support

seem disabled, limited social life, change is challenging, repetitive behavior is noticeable and unusual

Level 3 very substantial support

disability is obvious, communicate needs or answers questions, change is unbearable, intense repetition

Persistent deficits in social communication and social interactions across multiple contexts

back

Restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior interests or activities

at least two: repetitive motor movements, insistence on sameness routine or ritualized behavior, very restricted and fixed interest that are abnormally intense, very reactive to sensory input (light smell sound)

Valproate

epilepsy rx that may increase risk of autism