Chapter 7: Language and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Flashcards created to review the key concepts and definitions related to Language and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

What are the four criteria that must be met for a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Criteria A, B, C, and D.

What does Criteria A of ASD entail?

Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across contexts, not accounted for by general developmental delays, and manifests

What are the three deficits included in Criteria A for ASD diagnosis?

• Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity  

• Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction  

• Deficits in developing and maintaining relationships 

What are the symptoms of Criteria B for ASD

Restricted repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests or activities as manifested by at least 2 of the following  

• Stereotyped or repetitive speech, motor movements and use of objects  

• Excessive adherence to routines, ritualized patterns of verbal and nonverbal behavior or excessive resistance to change  

• Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus  

• Hyper or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of environment  

What are the symptoms mentioned in C for ASD?

Symptoms must be present in early childhood, but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed capacity

What are the symptoms of Criteria D for ASD

Symptoms together must limit and impair everyday functioning   

Name some disorders that were previously classified under ASD.

Autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, childhood disintegration disorder, PDD-NOS.

What does Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder (SPCD) identify?

Individuals who have difficulty with social skills but do not show restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior.

What are some communication difficulties experienced by children with SPCD?

• Have persistent difficulties in using communication for social purposes, such as greetings and sharing  

• Fail to use communication that is appropriate for social context  

• Have difficulty changing their communication responses to match the context/ or needs of the listener  

• Have difficulty understanding communication unless relevant points are explicitly stated  

  • Have difficulty making inferences and understanding idioms, humor, metaphors, and multiple meaning that depend of context 

What is the severity level of ASD requiring very substantial support?

Level 3.

List some characteristics of Level 3 ASD severity.

• Verbal and nonverbal deficits cause severe impairments in daily functioning  

• Very limited or no initiation and/or response to social interactions  

• Rituals, repetitive, and/or preoccupations cause severe impairments in all environments  

What is the severity level of ASD needing substantial support?

Level 2.

Identify deficits in children with Level 2 ASD severity.

• Verbal and nonverbal deficits cause marked impairments in daily functioning  

• With supports, there is limited initiation and/or response to social interaction  

• Rituals, repetitive, and/or preoccupations appear frequently and interfere with functioning in many environments  

What is the severity Level of ASD just need support

Level 1

What is a key characteristic of children with ASD?

Significant variability in individual presentation.

What percentage of children in the U.S. are affected by ASD according to the CDC?

1 out of every 59 children.

What has contributed to the increased prevalence of ASD over the decades?

Better identification in non-majority groups and older students.

What genetic factors are involved in ASD?

Small gene mutations that increase susceptibility to developing ASD.

What environmental factors can increase the likelihood of ASD?

Maternal folic acid levels during fetal development and exposure to certain chemicals.

What are early warning signs of ASD by 6 months?

No big smiles or joyful expressions.

What communication sign might indicate ASD by 12 months?

No babbling.

How might low-functioning autism children present in infancy?

Stiff and unresponsive, fewer gaze shifts, less emotional affect.

What is echolalia?

The repetition of phrases or words, immediate or delayed.

What common difficulties do high-functioning autism children face?

Understanding sarcasm, humor, and making friends.

What language characteristics are common in children with ASD?

Difficulty with figurative language and multi-meaning words.

What is a common behavioral difference noted in children with ASD?

Impaired sensory behaviors leading to hypersensitivity to stimulation.

What cognitive differences are there in children with ASD?

Significant cognitive and learning differences, often with memory impairments.

What intervention practice is commonly used for children with ASD?

Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).

What does the Hanen Program focus on for parents of children with ASD?

Facilitating reciprocal interactions in naturalistic contexts.

Why is family-focused treatment important in ASD interventions?

Earlier and more intensive treatment predicts better outcomes.

What role do communication temptations play in therapy?

They entice a child to communicate, revealing their communicative functions.

What are some examples of communication temptations used in therapy?

Giving undesired objects, using interesting toys and pulling them out one at a time.

What are the deficits for Level 1 ASD?

• Verbal and nonverbal deficits cause noticeable impairments without supports in place  

• Difficulty initiating and responding to social interactions  

• Rituals, repetitive, and/or preoccupations interfere with function in one or more environments