History of Autism
Who was the first scientist to clearly define autism?
Leo Kanner
Name one of the defining features of ASD, according to the DSM-5.
ASD: persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, and the presence of at least two of four types of restricted, repetitive behaviors
What are the three main kinds of theories that interconnectedly characterize ASD?
Behavioral, Cognitive, and Neurobiological Theories
What early theory about the etiology of autism was later de-bunked and retracted as being fraudulent?
The MMR Vaccine linked to autism by Andrew Wakefield
Name one diagnostic assessment tool that we can use for ASD. Hint: our course creator is an author on one of them!
ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule): unstructured play assessment
ADI (Autism Diagnostic Interview): semi-structured investigator-based interview for caregivers
Who originated the idea of weak central coherence?
Uta Frith
In what contexts do social deficits need to be present in order to properly define ASD?
Across ALL contexts!
How does weak central coherence theory support neurodiversity?
It characterizes ASD as simply a difference in cognitive style; focusing in on the details, rather than the big picture
Name at least 2 environmental etiology theories that are known to play a role in a child's potential to develop ASD?
Advanced parental age, infections during pregnancy, pesticide exposure, immigration status, air pollution
If you were a die-hard advocate for the Neurobiological Theory of ASD characterization, who are some members of the team that you would want to get in touch with the most?
Neurologist, neuropsychologist, parents
Name at least one of Kanner's two distinctive characteristics found in early infantile autism.
"Extreme autistic aloneness" and "obsessive desire for the maintenance of sameness" -Leo Kanner on Early Infantile Autism
Why is the Sally-Ann test administered to individuals suspected of having ASD?
To examine theory of mind skills
According to behavioral characterization theories, what is the most defining characteristic of ASD?
Mind blindness (a lack of theory of mind)
Name environmental "risk factors" of ASD.
Advanced parental age, immigration status, infections during pregnancy, air pollution, and pesticide exposure
What defining symptom of ASD is missing from the behavioral explanation of "mind blindness"?
Mind blindness doesn't fully explain restricted and repetitive behaviors.
What are some potential reasons why prevalence of autism has increased?
Something in our modern environment that has come along to increase prevalence, changing patterns of reproduction, or a broadening of the diagnostic category
True or False: Outside of pragmatics, language is always affected in ASD
False. Pragmatics is always effected in ASD. However, there is heterogeneity amongst individuals who exhibit unconventional language features outside of pragmatics.
True or False: Executive dysfunction is a defining characteristic of ASD according to neurobiological theories
False. According to cognitive theories, executive dysfunction is a main feature of ASD.
Why would immigration status be considered an environmental "risk factor" for the later development of ASD?
Honestly, we don't know. It could be because of social stresses, which produces changes in placental enzymes for cortisol metabolism. It could also be because of susceptibility to unfamiliar microbial exposure.
How can we use these theories to talk to a caregiver who is feeling guilty about their child's diagnosis of ASD?
Weak central coherence: it is a difference in the way they think
Neurobiological: their brain works and functions differently than some
It is no one's fault when a child develops ASD. It's simply a difference in brain chemistry.
What was one of the first uses of the word "autism"?
The word "autism" comes from the Greek word autos, meaning "self"; OR Eugen Bleuler in 1911 used the word "autistic" to describe an aspect of schizophrenia in which a person withdraws from the outside world into himself
What are some ways that restricted, repetitive behaviors can manifest?
Rigid thinking patterns, extreme distress at small changes, difficulties with transitions, strong attachment to (or preoccupation) with unusual objects, excessively perseverative interests
What is the main argument behind Neurobiological Theories for ASD?
That ASD is not characterized by cognitive or behavioral differences, but rather by differences in brain structure and function
Why are genetics a plausible etiology theory for ASD?
Genes impact developmental functions such as brain growth. They are responsible for creating structural and functional brain development, as well as the synthesis of important proteins.
Cognition activities: working memory on an iPad game, a mystery box where they don't know what object they will pick, working on transitions, etc. (opinion)