Autism Spectrum Disorder and Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia Lecture Review

A comprehensive question-and-answer study set based on lecture notes covering Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), associated characteristics, theoretical explanations, evidence-based interventions, and Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia (COS).

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and what are its two core features?

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by: differences in social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive behaviours, interests, or activities.

Why did the DSM-5-TR combine previous autism diagnoses into one spectrum?

Previous subtypes, including Asperger's disorder, autistic disorder, and PDD-NOS, were difficult to distinguish reliably. ASD now recognizes varying presentations and support needs.

What are the three ASD severity levels?

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

What is joint attention, and why is it important in ASD?

Sharing attention with another person toward an object or event. It typically develops between $9\text{--}14$ months and supports social communication and language development.

What is theory of mind?

The ability to understand that others have independent thoughts, beliefs, intentions, and perspectives.

What is echolalia?

Repetition of words or phrases previously heard, which may serve communicative or other functions.

What is the difference between hyperreactivity and hyporeactivity to sensory stimulation in ASD?

Hyperreactivity is excessive sensitivity to sensory stimulation, whereas hyporeactivity is reduced responsiveness to sensory stimulation.

What are restricted and repetitive behaviours in ASD?

Repetitive movements or speech, insistence on sameness, highly focused interests, and unusual sensory responses.

How does ASD differ from Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder?

Both involve social communication difficulties, but ASD additionally involves restricted or repetitive behaviours and interests.

How does ASD differ from intellectual developmental disorder (IDD)?

IDD involves broad intellectual and adaptive functioning difficulties, while ASD involves characteristic social communication differences and repetitive behaviours. Both can co-occur.

What diagnostic specifiers can accompany ASD?

With or without intellectual impairment, language impairment, associated medical/genetic conditions, other disorders, or catatonia.

What are common associated features of ASD?

Executive functioning difficulties, intellectual impairments in some individuals, motor differences, sensory sensitivities, and possible self-injurious behaviours.

What are early developmental indicators of ASD?

Reduced response to name, differences in eye contact, delayed joint attention, limited showing of objects, and differences in symbolic play.

What factors are important predictors of adult outcomes in ASD?

Intellectual functioning and language development are important predictors, although individual outcomes vary considerably.

Who were Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger, and what were their contributions to autism?

Kanner (1943) described early infantile autism, emphasizing social differences, repetitive behaviours, and insistence on sameness. Asperger (1944) described children with social differences and highly focused interests, contributing to the former Asperger's diagnosis.

What was the refrigerator-parent theory, and why was it rejected?

The unsupported theory that emotionally cold parenting caused autism. It was rejected because research instead supports biological and neurodevelopmental influences.

What is the Sally–Anne task, and how does it relate to ASD?

A false-belief task measuring theory of mind. Some autistic children have difficulty with it, but many pass, particularly when language and cognitive abilities support performance.

What did Baron-Cohen's research (1995, 1997) suggest about eye gaze and word learning?

Autistic children may use eye gaze differently when determining what another person is referring to, potentially affecting social referencing and word learning.

What is the social motivation explanation of ASD?

Social interactions may be less reinforcing for some autistic children, reducing opportunities for social learning and language development.

What is the neurodiversity perspective of autism?

Autism represents neurological variation rather than simply deficits. Support should recognize strengths, individual needs, and environmental barriers.

What is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?

A scientific approach examining how behaviour interacts with environmental conditions and using learning principles to support meaningful skills.

What are the four functions of behaviour discussed in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)?

Sensory reinforcement, escape or avoidance, attention, and access to tangible objects or activities.

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

Methods that supplement or replace speech, including picture communication systems, gestures, and speech-generating devices.

What are the main evidence-based intervention approaches for ASD discussed in the lecture?

Early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI); naturalistic developmental behavioural interventions (NDBIs), including ESDM, PRT, and JASPER; parent-mediated interventions; speech-language therapy and occupational therapy; and individualized multidisciplinary care.

What is neuroaffirming care, and what should be the primary goal of autism interventions?

A strengths-based, individualized approach respecting autonomy and neurodivergence. The goal is to improve functional communication, independence, self-advocacy, and quality of life rather than simply making individuals easier to manage.

What is Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia (COS), and what are its defining symptoms?

A rare form of schizophrenia beginning before age $13$, characterized by psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech or behaviour, and negative symptoms.

How does Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia (COS) differ from ASD?

COS involves psychotic symptoms and begins before age $13$, whereas ASD involves early developmental differences in social communication and restricted or repetitive behaviours.