Module 2: Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

where can neurodevelopmental disorders arise from

exposure to infectious diseases, toxins, nutritional issues prenatally, genetics

what is the criteria for intellectual disabilities

deficits in intellectual functioning, deficits in adaptive functioning, symptoms start during developmental period

what are the three levels of autism

requiring supporting, requiring substantial support, requiring very substantial support

5 areas of diagnosis for autism

persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, restricted/repetitive patters of behaviors, interests or activities, present in childhood, symptoms cause clinically significant impairment, disturbances are not better explained by intellectual disabilities

examples of deficits in social communication (autism)

conversations, social interactions, eye contact and body language, facial expressions, relationships, interest in peers

must include 2 of the following of patterns in behaviors (autism)

motor movements, sameness of routine, fixed interests, or sensory input

individuals show combination of issues with paying attention, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity

ADHD

need at least 6 of these to be inattentive subtype for ADHD

fails to give close attention to details

deficit in keeping attention

not listen

struggles following instructions

struggles organizing tasks

avoids to engage in tasks

loses important items

easily distracted

forgetful in daily activities

need at least 6 for hyperactivity in ADHD

fidgets in seat

leaves seat when sitting is expected

runs or climbs when inappropiate

unable to play quietly

unable to be still

talks excessively

blurts out answers

difficulty waiting in lines

interrupts others

“split mind”; psychotic disorder involving distortions in thoughts, perceptions, or emotions

schizophrenia

refers to losing touch with reality

psychotic

symptoms ‘added’ to an individual

postitive symptoms

false beliefs

delusions

false sensory experiences

hallucinations

reflect an absence of something

negative symtoms

individual choosing words to say based on sound rather than meaning

disorganized speech

socially inappropriate/odd behavior

disorganized behavior

decreased response to one’s environment

catatonic behavior

causes of schizophrenia

biological or environmental and psychosocial stressors

what is the hallmark feature of neurodevelopmental disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are disorders that are present early in life and stem from problems with neural development (i.e. normal growth of neurons in the brain).

criteria B for intellectual disability

Deficits in intellectual functioning includes reasoning, problem-solving, planning etc. These areas can be assessed via an intelligence test. 

After watching the TED talk regarding intellectual disability and Special Olympics, what do you see as consequences of stigma? How might stigma impair physical health?

Stigma can create additional stressors for people with intellectual disabilities and can reduce opportunities to engage in healthy behaviors like physical activity.

Autism is now divided into three levels. On what are these levels based?

severity

What causes of Autism were discussed in the module (and are discussed in the DSM)?

Genetics (heritability, advanced parental age, and gender) and the medication Valproate.

In the video of Jack’s visit to the grocery store with his mother, what symptoms of autism spectrum disorder did you observe or hear described by his mother?

difficulty in conversation, heightened sensory input; need for “social stories”, seen in childhood, impaired functioning, no evidence of intellectual disability

schizophrenia is caused by a genetic vulnerability and triggered by environmental and psychosocial stressors

diathesis-stress hypothesis