QASP Exam Study Guide Based on
Competency questions and answers 2026\2027
A+ Grade
Define autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- correct answer a disorder that appears in childhood and is marked by significant deficiencies in
communication and social interaction, and by rigidly fixated interests and repetitive behaviors
Common characteristics of ASD
- correct answer - difficulty relating to others
- insistence on environmental sameness
- stereotypic, repetitive, self-stimulatory behaviors
- wide range of language and communication disorders
Deficits of ASD
- correct answer - social and emotional reciprocity
- verbal and nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction
- developing and maintaining relationships appropriate to the developmental level
PDD-NOS
- correct answer pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified
PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified)
- correct answer one of several previously separate subtypes of autism that were folded into the single
diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with the publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual in
2013
Asperger's Syndrome
- correct answer behavioral syndrome characterized by varying degrees of difficulty in social and
,conversational skills but normal-to-above-average intelligence and language development; often
accompanied by obsessive preoccupation with particular topics or routines.
- higher functioning autism
Triad of primary impairments
- correct answer - impaired communication
- impaired reciprocal social interaction and restricted
- repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors or interests
Early autism diagnosis red flags
- correct answer - repetitive movements such as hand or finger posturing, flapping, spinning - seeks out
or avoids certain textures, sounds or movements
- visual differences (fixating on objects or certain kinds of stimuli such as the light coming through blinds,
looking at things in odd ways or tracking such things as fan blades, etc. )
Risk factors to ASD
- correct answer - having a sibling with ASD
- having certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis
- experiencing complications at birth.
- being born to older parents
Current CDC statistics and rates for the prevalence of ASD
- correct answer one in 36 (2.8%) 8-year-old children have been identified with ASD
Serial processing in ASD
- correct answer occurs when the brain computes information step-by-step in a methodical and linear
matter
Parallel processing in ASD
- correct answer the processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously
,Co-morbid diagnosis of ASD
- correct answer OCD, intellectual disability, ADHD, childhood onset schizophrenia, epilepsy,
gastrointestinal conditions and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
Methods of diagnosis for ASD
- correct answer When diagnosing autism spectrum disorder, professionals like pediatricians,
psychiatrists, psychologists and speech pathologists use the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
disorders (5th edition, Text revision), or DSM-5-TR, produced by the American Psychiatric Association
Criteria for ASD diagnosis
- correct answer - difficulties in social communication
- restricted, repetitive and sensory behavior or interests
- levels of support
Role of a QASP-S
- correct answer provides behavioral health services under the supervision of a QBA or above behavior
analyst or a licensed or certified professional within the scope of Applied Behavior Analysis
QABA code of ethics
- correct answer establishes standards for professional competence, behavior, and responsibility for
both ethical practice and enforceable actions as outlined in the QABA Policies and Procedures
HIPAA benefits
- correct answer ensure that any information disclosed to healthcare providers and health plans, or
information that is created by them, transmitted, or stored by them, is subject to strict security controls.
Patients are also given control over who their information is released to and who it is shared with
HIPAA limitations
- correct answer may limit how a covered entity (for example, a health plan or most health care
providers) uses or discloses individually identifiable health information
HIPAA use
- correct answer make sure that individuals' health information is properly protected while allowing the
flow of health information needed to provide and promote high-quality healthcare, and to protect the
public's health and well-being
, Retention of records
- correct answer - laws regarding retention vary from state to state
- 10 years or length of time on statute of limitations
-minors: 3 years after age of majority
- medicare/Medicaid patient: a minimum of 6 years
- deceased patient: 2 years
Storage of records
- correct answer - storage of client records must be secure (lock and key/password protected)
-these are sensitive confidential documents
- all consent-related requirements remain in effect as long as case files are maintained
Transportation of HIPAA records
- correct answer rules state that you must send PHI-related documents through First Class postal mail. In
some situations, you must use certified mail, and the recipient must sign for it. When sending it
certified, it's trackable, as well. You should never use standard mail
Security of records
- correct answer to maintain the confidentiality of patient's prescriptions or drug orders, there shall exist
adequate safeguards for security of the records whether kept manually or in an ADP system
Client confidentiality
- correct answer the obligation to retain all communications of any sort that occur within the therapist-
client relationship as private and privileged
Exceptions to client confidentiality
- correct answer - a duty to warn (if someone plans on killing someone)
- suspected child or elder abuse
- direct threat against a direct entity
(make sure patient knows you cannot promise to keep secrets)
Competency questions and answers 2026\2027
A+ Grade
Define autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- correct answer a disorder that appears in childhood and is marked by significant deficiencies in
communication and social interaction, and by rigidly fixated interests and repetitive behaviors
Common characteristics of ASD
- correct answer - difficulty relating to others
- insistence on environmental sameness
- stereotypic, repetitive, self-stimulatory behaviors
- wide range of language and communication disorders
Deficits of ASD
- correct answer - social and emotional reciprocity
- verbal and nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction
- developing and maintaining relationships appropriate to the developmental level
PDD-NOS
- correct answer pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified
PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified)
- correct answer one of several previously separate subtypes of autism that were folded into the single
diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with the publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual in
2013
Asperger's Syndrome
- correct answer behavioral syndrome characterized by varying degrees of difficulty in social and
,conversational skills but normal-to-above-average intelligence and language development; often
accompanied by obsessive preoccupation with particular topics or routines.
- higher functioning autism
Triad of primary impairments
- correct answer - impaired communication
- impaired reciprocal social interaction and restricted
- repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors or interests
Early autism diagnosis red flags
- correct answer - repetitive movements such as hand or finger posturing, flapping, spinning - seeks out
or avoids certain textures, sounds or movements
- visual differences (fixating on objects or certain kinds of stimuli such as the light coming through blinds,
looking at things in odd ways or tracking such things as fan blades, etc. )
Risk factors to ASD
- correct answer - having a sibling with ASD
- having certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis
- experiencing complications at birth.
- being born to older parents
Current CDC statistics and rates for the prevalence of ASD
- correct answer one in 36 (2.8%) 8-year-old children have been identified with ASD
Serial processing in ASD
- correct answer occurs when the brain computes information step-by-step in a methodical and linear
matter
Parallel processing in ASD
- correct answer the processing of many aspects of a problem simultaneously
,Co-morbid diagnosis of ASD
- correct answer OCD, intellectual disability, ADHD, childhood onset schizophrenia, epilepsy,
gastrointestinal conditions and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
Methods of diagnosis for ASD
- correct answer When diagnosing autism spectrum disorder, professionals like pediatricians,
psychiatrists, psychologists and speech pathologists use the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
disorders (5th edition, Text revision), or DSM-5-TR, produced by the American Psychiatric Association
Criteria for ASD diagnosis
- correct answer - difficulties in social communication
- restricted, repetitive and sensory behavior or interests
- levels of support
Role of a QASP-S
- correct answer provides behavioral health services under the supervision of a QBA or above behavior
analyst or a licensed or certified professional within the scope of Applied Behavior Analysis
QABA code of ethics
- correct answer establishes standards for professional competence, behavior, and responsibility for
both ethical practice and enforceable actions as outlined in the QABA Policies and Procedures
HIPAA benefits
- correct answer ensure that any information disclosed to healthcare providers and health plans, or
information that is created by them, transmitted, or stored by them, is subject to strict security controls.
Patients are also given control over who their information is released to and who it is shared with
HIPAA limitations
- correct answer may limit how a covered entity (for example, a health plan or most health care
providers) uses or discloses individually identifiable health information
HIPAA use
- correct answer make sure that individuals' health information is properly protected while allowing the
flow of health information needed to provide and promote high-quality healthcare, and to protect the
public's health and well-being
, Retention of records
- correct answer - laws regarding retention vary from state to state
- 10 years or length of time on statute of limitations
-minors: 3 years after age of majority
- medicare/Medicaid patient: a minimum of 6 years
- deceased patient: 2 years
Storage of records
- correct answer - storage of client records must be secure (lock and key/password protected)
-these are sensitive confidential documents
- all consent-related requirements remain in effect as long as case files are maintained
Transportation of HIPAA records
- correct answer rules state that you must send PHI-related documents through First Class postal mail. In
some situations, you must use certified mail, and the recipient must sign for it. When sending it
certified, it's trackable, as well. You should never use standard mail
Security of records
- correct answer to maintain the confidentiality of patient's prescriptions or drug orders, there shall exist
adequate safeguards for security of the records whether kept manually or in an ADP system
Client confidentiality
- correct answer the obligation to retain all communications of any sort that occur within the therapist-
client relationship as private and privileged
Exceptions to client confidentiality
- correct answer - a duty to warn (if someone plans on killing someone)
- suspected child or elder abuse
- direct threat against a direct entity
(make sure patient knows you cannot promise to keep secrets)
