1. Child Psychopathology
Autism
Diagnosis and description
Etiology and treatment
Case
Reading for today: Chapter 10

3. Diagnostic criteria for Autism
Impairments in social interaction
deficits in social imitation, joint attention, eye contact, unusual play, orienting to social stimuli
Qualitative impairments in communication
pronoun reversals, echolalia, speech restrictions
Restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities
perseveration, sameness, self-stimulatory behaviors, flapping
Onset prior to age 3
Box 10.1, 10.2

4. Associated characteristics
Intellectual strengths and deficits
80% are mentally retarded, esp. VIQ
25% have “splinter skills”, 5% “savant”
Sensory and perceptual impairments, stimulus overselectivity
Cognitive deficits, Theory of Mind
Physical characteristics, 25% epilepsy
Family stress is high: What came first?

5. Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Asperger’s Syndrome
Later age of onset
Higher verbal mental age
Less language delay
Less social deficit
Poor gross motor coordination
Rett’s Disorder
Girls only
Deceleration of head growth
Loss of hand skills
Severe language deficit
Loss of social engagement

6. Genetic Contributions
About 10% have an identifiable medical condition including Fragile X
Tuberous sclerosis is associated 3-9% of the time
Family and twin studies show strong relationship
There are likely several genetic influences in autism

7. Neuro- and psychobiology
Structural abnormalities in cerebellum, medial temporal, limbic, and frontal lobes
Demonstrated through blood flow analyses
Megalencephaly and increased brain volume in some children
Epilepsy, EEG abnormalities in 50%
Elevated serotonin in 1/3 of individuals
Reticular Activating System and overselectivity
Fig. 10.6

8. Interventions for autism
Low functioning children need behavioral interventions
SIB, self-help skills, social compliance, basic social-emotional behaviors su as eye contact
High functioning children need language, social skills, and preschool behaviors
Most effective treatments are highly structured and skills-oriented
Include family support and early intervention

9. Communication skills
What is appropriate social behavior? What basic skills are important?
Eye contact, introducing yourself, expressing affection, turn-taking in conversations
Reduction of behaviors inconsistent with communication, e.g., flapping
Operant speech training: Imitation, receptive labelling, sign language for some children

10. Case Review: Joey
What diagnostic features did you think most important?
What kind of intervention is necessary?