Autism - Background
Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)
 Differential diagnosis important
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– Similar symptoms with several disorders
– Often considered a “spectrum” disorder
Autism
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Primary Characteristics
A. Social relationship problems
1.
2.
3.
4.
Nonverbal behaviors
Failure to develop peer relationships
Lack of spontaneous sharing with others
Lack of social or emotional reciprocity
Primary characteristics cont’
A. Language problems
1. Delay in or lack of language development
2. Impairment in ability to initiate or sustain a
conversation with others
3. Stereotyped or repetitive use of language
B. Stereotypic behaviors
– Repetitive motor movements
Additional characteristics
1.
Abnormal responses to environment
2.
Decreased intellectual functioning
Age of onset
Course
Prevalence
Differential Diagnosis
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Childhood schizophrenia
Developmental aphasia
Mental retardation
Asperger’s Disorder
1. Impairment in social interaction
2. Restricted or repetitive behavior
3. Differences: language, attachment,
intellectual
Etiology

Many common theories disproved:
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Autism as withdrawal to cope with psychological pain
Chronic under-arousal in RAS
Learning of self-stimulation
MMR vaccine
 Have looked at assoc. between intro. of vaccine and autism
rates in different countries and different points of times
Genetics : concordance rates 36 – 95% for MZ
and 0-5% for DZ
 Neuropsychological factors
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– Diffuse damage, excess white matter
Treatment/Interventions
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Medications – help only minority of children
Behavioral approaches
1. TEACCH – UNC Chapel Hill
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Structured teaching (structuring the environment)
“social story”
Visual information
2. Lovaas’ behavior modification
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Intense behavioral therapy
40 hrs. per week, over 2 years
Both most effective if initiated early ages (by preschool)