WEEK 7-Autism Spectrum Disorders

Flashcards about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Lifelong developmental disabilities characterized by difficulties in social interaction, impaired communication, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors, and sensory sensitivities.

Spectrum

Wide variation in range and severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Lifelong developmental disabilities characterized by difficulties in social interaction, impaired communication, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors, and sensory sensitivities.

Spectrum

Wide variation in range and severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Early diagnosis and intervention

Can minimize effects and lead to marked improvements in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Dr. Leo Kanner

Coined the term Autism describing early infantile autism.

Dr. Hans Asperger's Syndrome

Characterized by normal intellectual capacity, impaired social interaction and subtle communication skills, and restrictive interests.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Now one diagnosis in the DSM-5, incorporates Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder.

Social Communication

Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communication, and developing/maintaining relationships.

Restricted and Repetitive Interests Activities and Behaviours

Stereotyped movements, insistence on sameness, fixated interests, and hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input.

Severity Rating

Level 1 (Requiring support), Level 2 (Requiring substantial support), Level 3 (Requiring very substantial support).

Diagnosis of ASD

Observation and interpretation of behavior referenced to DSM. Objective diagnostic instruments (checklists, questionnaires) are used.

Nature of ASD

Primarily an idiopathic neurological disorder, often with a genetic predisposition.

Dysfunction in sodium channels (SCN2A) and their protein supports (ANK2)

Affecting dendritic excitability and synaptic function in neocortical pyramidal cells.

Environmental Theories of ASD

Exposure to unknown triggers.

The Autistic Brain

Larger brain, different interconnections between areas.

Sensory Processing (in ASD)

Lack of discrimination or sensory filtering, hypersensitivity to stimuli, and stereotyped behavior.

fMRI Studies (Brain Activation Patterns) in ASD

Hypoactivation in regions like the Fusiform Gyrus, superior temporal sulcus (STS), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), superior frontal gyrus (SFG), and Amygdala.

Restricted Repetitive Behavior (RRB)

Linked to altered cortico-basal ganglia white matter microstructure.

Neurotransmitter Imbalance in ASD

Evidence of imbalance in Dopaminergic and Glutaminergic circuits.

Purpose of Social Stories

To help individuals with ASD understand social and life-skill situations.

Social Stories

"Algorithms for everyday life," aiming to improve social understanding.