OT-550: Ch. 3 - Autism Spectrum Disorder

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Autism Spectrum Disorder from the provided notes.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder defined by impairment in social interaction and communication and the presence of restrictive/repetitive behaviors; may include language or intellectual differences and is linked to brain structure differences, genetics, and environmental factors; vaccines do not cause ASD.

Social communication impairment

Ongoing difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication across multiple contexts not explained by general cognitive deficits.

Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB)

Repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, often accompanied by sensory processing differences.

ASD severity levels

Level 1: may need support, can be independent; Level 2: requiring substantial support; Level 3: requiring very substantial support.

SCD (Social communication dysfunction)

Dysfunction in social communication without co-occurring restricted/repetitive behaviors; part of diagnostic criteria for ASD.

Brain volume differences

Variations in overall brain size and neuron count, including prenatal growth patterns and accelerated early brain growth.

Frontal and temporal regions

Brain areas often involved in ASD showing atypical development, influencing language, social processing, and executive function.

Eye contact differences

Reduced or altered eye contact in ASD; typical eye contact develops early, but a decline around 6 months is common in ASD.

White matter underconnectivity (long-range)

Decreased connectivity between distant brain regions due to reduced long-range white matter tracts.

Gray matter overconnectivity (short-range)

Increased connectivity within local neural networks, potentially hindering efficient information processing.

Genetics in ASD

ASD is highly heritable with over 100 associated genes; some variants can occur de novo (randomly).

Environmental factors in ASD

Non-genetic contributors such as parental age, toxin exposure, maternal factors (nutrition), and prematurity; vaccines do not cause ASD.

Incidence and prevalence estimates

WHO (2019) ~1 in 160; US estimates have varied (roughly 1 in 150 in 2000, 1 in 59 in 2014); prevalence around 16.8 per 1000.

Gender dominance in ASD

ASD occurs more frequently in males, estimated at about four times more often than females.

Core social-communication symptoms

Difficulties with eye contact, gestures, body language, facial expressions, and understanding social context; possible theory of mind impairment and language delays.

Joint attention

Sharing attention with another person using eye gaze and gestures to share experiences; often reduced in ASD.

Language development delays

Delays or atypical development of spoken language, which may occur with nonverbal communication difficulties.

Intellectual disability comorbidity

ASD can co-occur with intellectual disability, though many individuals have average or above-average intelligence.

Restricted-Repetitive Behavior subtypes (sensory)

Subtypes include underresponsivity (SUR), overresponsivity (SOR), sensory seeking (SS), craving (SC), motor skill difficulties, and sensory discrimination issues.

Sensory processing disorders in ASD

Abnormal processing of sensory input, including hyper- or hypo-reactivity and heightened focus on certain environmental aspects; severity affects functioning.

Screening instruments for ASD

Tools used to flag risk for ASD: Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT), Autism Screening Questionnaire (ASQ), Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), PDDST-1, Australian Scale for Asperger Syndrome.

ASD evaluation components

Comprehensive assessment including history, medical/neurological exam, parent interview, language and cognitive testing, sensory/motor/adaptive tests, observation, and additional testing as needed.

Prognostic indicators in ASD

Factors predicting outcomes include intelligence level, language ability, joint attention, and motor skills.

Early intervention in ASD

Therapies and education started around ages 0–3 to promote neural development and better functional outcomes.

Medical and CAM approaches in ASD

Medical treatment is not primary; pharmacologic therapy may address comorbid conditions; CAM, supplements, and mind-body approaches are used by some families.

Co-occurring medical conditions in ASD

ASD can be associated with other medical issues such as gastrointestinal problems, feeding difficulties, sleep disturbances, and other developmental concerns.

Gastrointestinal issues in ASD

Higher risk of GI problems in children with ASD; management may involve dietary adjustments and addressing sensory factors.

Toilet training and reproductive considerations

Delayed toilet training and potential inappropriate sexual behaviors related to social understanding and development.

Impact on occupational performance in ASD

ASD can affect all areas of occupation due to global developmental impact, including emotion regulation, memory, sensory processing, motor skills, and integration.