QASP EXAM STUDY GUIDE
Define autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - Answers :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 - Answers :- difficulty relating to others
- insistence on environmental sameness
- stereotypic, repetitive, self-stimulatory behaviors
- wide range of language and communication disorders
Deficits of ASD - Answers :- social and emotional reciprocity
- verbal and nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction
- developing and maintaining relationships appropriate to the developmental level
PDD-NOS - Answers :pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified
PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified) - Answers :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 - Answers :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 - Answers :- impaired communication
- impaired reciprocal social interaction and restricted
- repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors or interests
Early autism diagnosis red flags - Answers :- 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 - Answers :- 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 - Answers :one in 36 (2.8%)
8-year-old children have been identified with ASD
Serial processing in ASD - Answers :occurs when the brain computes information step-
by-step in a methodical and linear matter
Parallel processing in ASD - Answers :the processing of many aspects of a problem
simultaneously
Co-morbid diagnosis of ASD - Answers :OCD, intellectual disability, ADHD, childhood
onset schizophrenia, epilepsy, gastrointestinal conditions and mental health conditions
such as depression and anxiety
Methods of diagnosis for ASD - Answers :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 - Answers :- difficulties in social communication
- restricted, repetitive and sensory behavior or interests
- levels of support
Role of a QASP-S - Answers :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 - Answers :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 - Answers :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 - Answers :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 - Answers :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 - Answers :- 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 - Answers :- 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 - Answers :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 - Answers :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 - Answers :the obligation to retain all communications of any sort
that occur within the therapist-client relationship as private and privileged
Exceptions to client confidentiality - Answers :- 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)
Privileged information - Answers :client information that the professional cannot be
legally required to provide; information that an accountant obtains from a client is
confidential but not privileged
Dual relationships between an RBT and a client include - Answers :- babysitting or
provided respite care for a client that you work with
- attending a social gathering at the invitation of a client or his mother
- providing treatment services to the son or daughter of a friend
Unethical relationship with client - Answers :sexual or romantic relationships with clients
directly violate one of the fundamental principles of professional ethical behavior —
nonmaleficence, or avoiding actions that cause harm.
Duty to warn - Answers :mental health professional's responsibility to break
confidentiality and notify the potential victim whom a client has specifically threatened
Duty to report - Answers :legal responsibility of health and education professionals to
report suspected abuse, neglect, self-harm, or harm to others
Define autism spectrum disorder (ASD) - Answers :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 - Answers :- difficulty relating to others
- insistence on environmental sameness
- stereotypic, repetitive, self-stimulatory behaviors
- wide range of language and communication disorders
Deficits of ASD - Answers :- social and emotional reciprocity
- verbal and nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction
- developing and maintaining relationships appropriate to the developmental level
PDD-NOS - Answers :pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified
PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified) - Answers :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 - Answers :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 - Answers :- impaired communication
- impaired reciprocal social interaction and restricted
- repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors or interests
Early autism diagnosis red flags - Answers :- 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 - Answers :- 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 - Answers :one in 36 (2.8%)
8-year-old children have been identified with ASD
Serial processing in ASD - Answers :occurs when the brain computes information step-
by-step in a methodical and linear matter
Parallel processing in ASD - Answers :the processing of many aspects of a problem
simultaneously
Co-morbid diagnosis of ASD - Answers :OCD, intellectual disability, ADHD, childhood
onset schizophrenia, epilepsy, gastrointestinal conditions and mental health conditions
such as depression and anxiety
Methods of diagnosis for ASD - Answers :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 - Answers :- difficulties in social communication
- restricted, repetitive and sensory behavior or interests
- levels of support
Role of a QASP-S - Answers :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 - Answers :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 - Answers :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 - Answers :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 - Answers :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 - Answers :- 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 - Answers :- 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 - Answers :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 - Answers :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 - Answers :the obligation to retain all communications of any sort
that occur within the therapist-client relationship as private and privileged
Exceptions to client confidentiality - Answers :- 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)
Privileged information - Answers :client information that the professional cannot be
legally required to provide; information that an accountant obtains from a client is
confidential but not privileged
Dual relationships between an RBT and a client include - Answers :- babysitting or
provided respite care for a client that you work with
- attending a social gathering at the invitation of a client or his mother
- providing treatment services to the son or daughter of a friend
Unethical relationship with client - Answers :sexual or romantic relationships with clients
directly violate one of the fundamental principles of professional ethical behavior —
nonmaleficence, or avoiding actions that cause harm.
Duty to warn - Answers :mental health professional's responsibility to break
confidentiality and notify the potential victim whom a client has specifically threatened
Duty to report - Answers :legal responsibility of health and education professionals to
report suspected abuse, neglect, self-harm, or harm to others
