Identify the first people to describe autism and the decade that this occurred. Asperger &
Kanner - 1940s
Define the term refrigerator mother and know whether or not this still a valid theory of autism.
The term "refrigerator mother" refers to the idea that the behavior of an inattentive, 'cold'
mother who doesn't show maternal warmth to her child can cause the child to develop autism.
This term was popularized in the 50's but is now known to NOT be a valid theory of autism.
Know what the neurodiversity movement refers to Individuals with Autism that do not
wish to be "cured" of their diagnosis. Judy Singer, a sociologist on the autism spectrum, came up
with the word "neurodiversity." The goal was to shift the focus about atypical ways of thinking
from deficits/impairments to diversity.
It is a civil rights movement for "Aspies."
Know what developmental disorder autism. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The
neurodevelopmental aspect means that the brain is developing differently in people with autism.
, Autism Exam 1 Questions And Answers
Explain why autism is so difficult to diagnose. Because there are multiple developmental
areas autism can affect. So if you only focus on language, for example, you're missing all the
other pieces of how the child is affected.
Know whether or not autism can exist with other disorders. Autism is commonly
comorbid with other developmental or mental disorders such as ADD, ADHD, depression,
anxiety, etc.
Know why we use classification systems -they help us identify what we're talking about
-they help us understand our world and give individuals access to services
Know what year autism became an official diagnosis 1980
Describe the major changes between the DSM -IV and DSM-V Eliminates previous
subcategories (e.g., PDD-NOS, Asperger syndrome)
From 3 to 2 domains of symptoms
Symptoms can currently be present or reported in past history
Each person will also be described in terms of any known genetic cause, level of language and
intellectual disability and presence of medical conditions