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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) - Coggle Diagram
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Intro
Abnormal development of social/communication skills
Prevalence = 3-6 in 1000
M>F
Presentation usually between 2-4 y/o
If only some of behaviours present: autistic features
continuum of behavioural states with or without learning difficulties
less than 10% of children with ASD are able to function independently as adults
Triad of Difficulties
Impaired social interation
doesn't seek comfort / share pleasure
doesn't form close friendships
prefers own company
gaze avoidance
lack of joint attention (ability to share focus on an object with another person)
inappropriate behaviour
theory of mind deficit (can't appreciate others' thoughts + feelings)
can't appreciate social cues
Speech & language disorder
delayed (may be severe)
lack of use of gestures/facial expressions
formal pedantic language
monotonous voice
impaired speech comprehension - over literal interpretation
echoes Qs / repeats instructions
refers to themselves as "you"
Imposition of routines, ritualistic/repetitive behaviour
tantrums if routines disrupted
unusual stereotypical movements (hand flapping, tiptoe gait)
concrete play, poverty of imagination
peculiar interests
restriction in behaviour repertoire
Asperger Syndrome
mild social impairments
near normal speech development
stilted way of speaking
narrow strange interests
often clumsy
Dx
Observation of behaviour
Formal standardised tests e.g. Autism Diagnostic Interview
Causes
Can be due to organic causes
often no specific cause
genetic component
NOT MMR, emotional trauma or poor parenting
Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)
Behaviour modification approach
aims to reduce ritualistic behaviour, develop play, language + social skills
most widely accepted tx
time consuming (requires 25-30hr of individual therapy per wk), costly
Co-morbidities
2/3 have learning/attention difficulties
1/4 have seizures (often develop in adolescence)