Autism Spectrum Disorders and
Occupational Therapy UPDATED Questions
and CORRECT Answers
What is Autism Spectrum - CORRECT ANSWER - •Neurodevelopmental disability
•Not a mental illness
•People first language
•Child or individual with autism
•NOT autistic child
•"Hidden" disability - no identifying physical characteristics
•ASD is a group of lifelong, brain-based, developmental disorders, usually diagnosed in early
childhood, affecting
•language and social behavior
restricted or repetitive behavior/ unusual interests
Why do there seem to be so many more children with ASD? - CORRECT ANSWER -
•Increased awareness
•More uniform criteria for diagnosis
•Broader range of diagnosis
•Misdiagnosis
•Actual increase in the number of children with ASD
Defining ASD: DSM-5 - CORRECT ANSWER - •Restricted/repetitive behaviors/interests
•Restricted, repetitive activities as manifested by at least 2 of the following:
•stereotyped or repetitive speech, motor movements, or use of objects
•Excessive adherence to routines
•Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus
•Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual sensory interests
, Previously Established Diagnosis - CORRECT ANSWER - •The DSM-V text states
"Individuals with a well-established DSM-IV diagnoses of autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder,
or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified should be given the diagnosis of
autism spectrum disorder"
Absolute Indications for - CORRECT ANSWER - •No babbling by 12 months
•No gesturing (pointing, waving bye-bye, etc.) by 12 months
•No single words by 16 months
•No 2 word spontaneous phrases by 24 months (not echolalic)
•ANY loss of ANY language or social skills at ANY age
Signs of Autism: Social communication & interaction - CORRECT ANSWER -
•Expressive and/or receptive language delay
•Limited use of communicative gestures, ie. Pointing, waving
•Use of atypical ways to communicate, ie. Leading by the hand
•May have history of regression of language skills at average age of 21 months
•Atypical social interaction
•Poor eye contact
Signs of Autism: Restricted/repetitive behaviors & interests - CORRECT ANSWER -
•Repetitive behaviors
•Repetitive physical movements, ie. hand flapping, spinning, finger flicking
•Sensory difficulties, ie. sound or tactile sensitivities
•Behavioral concerns, ie. tantrums, hyperactivity, poor compliance
Occupational Therapy UPDATED Questions
and CORRECT Answers
What is Autism Spectrum - CORRECT ANSWER - •Neurodevelopmental disability
•Not a mental illness
•People first language
•Child or individual with autism
•NOT autistic child
•"Hidden" disability - no identifying physical characteristics
•ASD is a group of lifelong, brain-based, developmental disorders, usually diagnosed in early
childhood, affecting
•language and social behavior
restricted or repetitive behavior/ unusual interests
Why do there seem to be so many more children with ASD? - CORRECT ANSWER -
•Increased awareness
•More uniform criteria for diagnosis
•Broader range of diagnosis
•Misdiagnosis
•Actual increase in the number of children with ASD
Defining ASD: DSM-5 - CORRECT ANSWER - •Restricted/repetitive behaviors/interests
•Restricted, repetitive activities as manifested by at least 2 of the following:
•stereotyped or repetitive speech, motor movements, or use of objects
•Excessive adherence to routines
•Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus
•Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual sensory interests
, Previously Established Diagnosis - CORRECT ANSWER - •The DSM-V text states
"Individuals with a well-established DSM-IV diagnoses of autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder,
or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified should be given the diagnosis of
autism spectrum disorder"
Absolute Indications for - CORRECT ANSWER - •No babbling by 12 months
•No gesturing (pointing, waving bye-bye, etc.) by 12 months
•No single words by 16 months
•No 2 word spontaneous phrases by 24 months (not echolalic)
•ANY loss of ANY language or social skills at ANY age
Signs of Autism: Social communication & interaction - CORRECT ANSWER -
•Expressive and/or receptive language delay
•Limited use of communicative gestures, ie. Pointing, waving
•Use of atypical ways to communicate, ie. Leading by the hand
•May have history of regression of language skills at average age of 21 months
•Atypical social interaction
•Poor eye contact
Signs of Autism: Restricted/repetitive behaviors & interests - CORRECT ANSWER -
•Repetitive behaviors
•Repetitive physical movements, ie. hand flapping, spinning, finger flicking
•Sensory difficulties, ie. sound or tactile sensitivities
•Behavioral concerns, ie. tantrums, hyperactivity, poor compliance
