Term
| What are the 4 symptoms of autism related to social & emotional functioning? |
|
Definition
1. Difficulty establishing & managing peer relationships
2. Little ability to experience & demonstrate empathy & emotional exhange w/others
3. Trouble sharing or engaging in shared experience
4. Poor use of nonverbal behaviors to promote social interaction (ie body language or eye contact) |
|
|
Term
| What are the 3 symptoms of autism related to communication? |
|
Definition
1. Delay in, or complete lack of, language development
2. Inability to initiate or sustain a conversation - impaired social use of language
3. Stereotyped or repetitive use of language - impaired symbolic/make-belive play |
|
|
Term
| What are the 3 symptoms of autism related to restricted behaviors/activities/interests? |
|
Definition
1. Preoccupation w/a particular interest, behavior or activity to the exclusion of others
2. Inflexible adherence to nonfunctional rituals, routines, rules
3. Repetitive motor movements or mannerisms |
|
|
Term
| Name some of the associated difficulties w/autism. |
|
Definition
1. 50% have mental retardation w/low verbal skills but high non-verbal skills
2. Uneven cognitive functioning
3. Extreme sensory sensitivities (ie, find touch irritating, sensitive to texture of foods & might only eat 4 or 5 things)
4. Attention impariments & Hyperactivity
5. Self-Injurious behaviors - biting, scratching
6. Anxiety
7. Depression
8. Sleep & eating problems (might have difficulty sleeping at nite)
9. Seizures |
|
|
Term
| What is the etiology of autism? |
|
Definition
1. It is a biologically based disorder w/multiple possible causes
2. May be a genetic predisposition that is activated by an illness or other environmental conditions
3. Results of family and twin studies suggest that genetic factors play a role in the etiology of autism. |
|
|
Term
| What are some of the unique aspects of brain functioning in kids who have autism? |
|
Definition
1. They have a smaller amygdala
2. The process of neuronal growth and pruning seems to be abnormal leaving some areas of the brain with too many neurons and other areas with too few neurons.
3. Cerebellum may be damaged as this area regulates attention, sensory modulation & motor & behavior initiation.
4. They also have abnormalities in visual tracking & face processing
5. May lack mirror neurons |
|
|
Term
| What are some of the neurochemicals that may be involved in autism? |
|
Definition
1. Elevated levels of serotonin
2. Elevated levels of dopamine may play a role in the repetitive behavior aspect to autism
3. Elevated levels of norepinephrine may be linked to the arousal and anxiety symptoms.
4. Endorphins may be linked to the self harming aspect |
|
|
Term
| What are some treatment options for autism? |
|
Definition
1. Floor time
2. Social skills training
3. Education & training for parents
4. Applied Behavior Analysis
Early identification & intervention is Very important!! |
|
|
