Autism Spectrum Disorders Exam Study
Guide Questions and Answers
1.) Why is autism considered an "umbrella" term? Explain why autism is considered a
spectrum disorder. - Answer-"Umbrella term"
"Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by impairments in social interaction and
social communication and by the presence of repetitive behaviors"
2.) What is the incidence, prevalence, and demographics of ASD? - Answer-1 in 59
children in the US
Present in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, slightly more common in white
children
4 times more common in boys than girls
3.) What are the causes of ASD? Brain Structure, genetics, and environmental factors?
- Answer-No single factor causes ASD. Some hypotheses:
Brain structure/function abnormalities:
Subtle differences in neuron networks, increased brain volume, decreased Purkinje
cells in cerebellum, reduced frontal lobe activation, abnormalities in amygdala and
hippocampus
Likely a genetic factor: (90-95% co-occurrence in identical twins)
Possible environmental influence, but no specific causes yet identified.
genetics - Answer--ASD is associated with common gene mutations
-Such as enzymes involved in converting dietary vitamins, detoxification of liver and
regulation of biochemical reactions in the body
-Hence why genetic mutations with the lack of nutrient cofactors and toxic overload lead
to malfunctions in enzymes
-If a parent has one or more of these genes, they may pass it along it to the child , even
if the parent does not have ASD
-Boys sometimes inherit their mutations from their unaffected mothers
-Girls seem to be "protected" from autism as it takes more mutations to trigger autism in
girls than boys
-Boys are four more times to likely have the disorder
4.) What are the 3 main characteristics for an ASD Diagnosis? Describe each. -
Answer-Challenges with social interaction
Communication and Language impairments
Restrictive and repetitive behaviors
5.) What are some common "red flags" and at what age do they usually occur? -
Answer-Social interaction difficulty
Communication difficulty
Repetitive behaviors
, Restricted interests
6.) What are some occupations impacted by ASD? - Answer-ASD impacts ALL areas of
occupation!
7.) What are the 4 subtypes of ASD-? Compare and contrast characteristics, severity,
age of onset and prognosis. - Answer-Asperger's, Rett's, CDD & PDD-NOS
Rett Syndrome - Answer-Definition:
Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects
how the brain develops, causing a progressive loss of motor skills and speech.
Age of onset: *Around 12-18 months*
Prevalence and Demographics:
Affects girls primarily but boys can also have Rett Syndrome as well
Fewer than 1,000 US cases per year
Cause:
Mutation of MECP2 Gene
Mutation appears to result in problems with protein production critical for brain
development
Rett Syndrome continued - Answer-Slowed growth
Loss of normal movement and coordination
Loss of communication abilities
Breathing problems
Scoliosis
Cognitive Disabilities
Seizures
Irregular heartbeat
Sleep Disturbances
Abnormal hand movements*
Unusual eye movements
Asperger's Syndrome - Answer-All the diagnostic criteria of ASD are met
but typical to strong verbal language skills and intellectual ability are present in
Asperger's Syndrome
estimated at .02-.03% of the population, and is about 8 times more common in boys
than girls.
Parents may notice similar difficulties with rigid routines and interests that might lead to
a diagnosis of ASD (which now encompasses AS)
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder - Answer-Definition: CDD is characterized by at least
two years of normal development, followed by loss of language, motor, and social skills
Child develops normally until age 3-4
Sudden regression begins, progressing until the child presents similar to a person with
Autism
Guide Questions and Answers
1.) Why is autism considered an "umbrella" term? Explain why autism is considered a
spectrum disorder. - Answer-"Umbrella term"
"Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by impairments in social interaction and
social communication and by the presence of repetitive behaviors"
2.) What is the incidence, prevalence, and demographics of ASD? - Answer-1 in 59
children in the US
Present in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, slightly more common in white
children
4 times more common in boys than girls
3.) What are the causes of ASD? Brain Structure, genetics, and environmental factors?
- Answer-No single factor causes ASD. Some hypotheses:
Brain structure/function abnormalities:
Subtle differences in neuron networks, increased brain volume, decreased Purkinje
cells in cerebellum, reduced frontal lobe activation, abnormalities in amygdala and
hippocampus
Likely a genetic factor: (90-95% co-occurrence in identical twins)
Possible environmental influence, but no specific causes yet identified.
genetics - Answer--ASD is associated with common gene mutations
-Such as enzymes involved in converting dietary vitamins, detoxification of liver and
regulation of biochemical reactions in the body
-Hence why genetic mutations with the lack of nutrient cofactors and toxic overload lead
to malfunctions in enzymes
-If a parent has one or more of these genes, they may pass it along it to the child , even
if the parent does not have ASD
-Boys sometimes inherit their mutations from their unaffected mothers
-Girls seem to be "protected" from autism as it takes more mutations to trigger autism in
girls than boys
-Boys are four more times to likely have the disorder
4.) What are the 3 main characteristics for an ASD Diagnosis? Describe each. -
Answer-Challenges with social interaction
Communication and Language impairments
Restrictive and repetitive behaviors
5.) What are some common "red flags" and at what age do they usually occur? -
Answer-Social interaction difficulty
Communication difficulty
Repetitive behaviors
, Restricted interests
6.) What are some occupations impacted by ASD? - Answer-ASD impacts ALL areas of
occupation!
7.) What are the 4 subtypes of ASD-? Compare and contrast characteristics, severity,
age of onset and prognosis. - Answer-Asperger's, Rett's, CDD & PDD-NOS
Rett Syndrome - Answer-Definition:
Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects
how the brain develops, causing a progressive loss of motor skills and speech.
Age of onset: *Around 12-18 months*
Prevalence and Demographics:
Affects girls primarily but boys can also have Rett Syndrome as well
Fewer than 1,000 US cases per year
Cause:
Mutation of MECP2 Gene
Mutation appears to result in problems with protein production critical for brain
development
Rett Syndrome continued - Answer-Slowed growth
Loss of normal movement and coordination
Loss of communication abilities
Breathing problems
Scoliosis
Cognitive Disabilities
Seizures
Irregular heartbeat
Sleep Disturbances
Abnormal hand movements*
Unusual eye movements
Asperger's Syndrome - Answer-All the diagnostic criteria of ASD are met
but typical to strong verbal language skills and intellectual ability are present in
Asperger's Syndrome
estimated at .02-.03% of the population, and is about 8 times more common in boys
than girls.
Parents may notice similar difficulties with rigid routines and interests that might lead to
a diagnosis of ASD (which now encompasses AS)
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder - Answer-Definition: CDD is characterized by at least
two years of normal development, followed by loss of language, motor, and social skills
Child develops normally until age 3-4
Sudden regression begins, progressing until the child presents similar to a person with
Autism
