Question 1

Bobbie Jo appeared to develop normally for the first year of her life, but then she began to exhibit severe isolation and communication difficulties as well as repetitive behaviors. Her head size, however, was normal. The most likely diagnosis would be ____.

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, such as severe isolation, communication difficulties, and repetitive behaviors, are characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Normal head size is also consistent with ASD, distinguishing it from conditions that might involve abnormal head size. Asperger's syndrome, now considered part of the broader category of ASD, typically does not include significant language development delays, which seems inconsistent with the described severe communication difficulties. Intellectual disability and learning disability do not fully encompass the range of symptoms described, such as severe isolation and repetitive behaviors, which are more specific to ASD.

Question 2

The communication skill level associated with a severe impairment of autism spectrum disorder would be described as ____.

Accepted Answer

Individuals with a severe impairment of autism spectrum disorder often have minimal or absent communication skills, struggling significantly with both verbal and non-verbal communication.

Question 3

Susan refuses to have her daughter Zoe vaccinated against any of the common childhood diseases because Susan is afraid that vaccines can cause autism. What is the position of your text?

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is that Susan's concerns are unwarranted because the research study suggesting that childhood vaccinations cause autism has been proven to be fraudulent. This refers to the widely discredited study by Andrew Wakefield, which has been retracted and debunked by numerous scientific studies showing no link between vaccines and autism.

Question 4

Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is difficult because ____.

Accepted Answer

There is often a period of seemingly normal social and intellectual development in children with autism spectrum disorder, which can make early diagnosis challenging.

Question 5

Looking at the concordance rates for autism found in twin studies and family studies, Newschaffer and colleagues (2007) believe that autism is primarily the result of ____.

Accepted Answer

Newschaffer and colleagues (2007) suggest that autism results from both genetic and environmental factors, as indicated by the concordance rates in twin and family studies. These studies show that while genetics play a significant role, environmental factors also contribute to the development of autism.

Question 6

Research suggests that which neurotransmitter is particularly important in the development of autism?

Accepted Answer

Research has indicated that serotonin, a neurotransmitter, plays a significant role in the development of autism. Elevated levels of serotonin have been found in many individuals with autism, suggesting its involvement in the condition's neurobiology.

Question 7

Which childhood disorder has the latest onset?

Accepted Answer

Pediatric bipolar disorder often has a later onset compared to other disorders listed. While autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are typically identified in early childhood, and enuresis (bedwetting) is also recognized in the early years, pediatric bipolar disorder may not be diagnosed until late childhood or adolescence, making its onset generally later than the others.

Question 8

A syndrome characterized by average to above-average cognitive skills, intense focus on narrow interests, and one-sided social interactions is ____.

Accepted Answer

Asperger's syndrome is characterized by average to above-average cognitive skills, intense focus on narrow interests, and one-sided social interactions, distinguishing it from other conditions listed.

Question 9

Which childhood disorder has the highest prevalence?

Accepted Answer

Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent childhood disorder, affecting a significant number of children worldwide. It is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which are more frequent and severe than typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development.

Question 10

Natalie is socially awkward and sometimes has difficulty responding to people. She has a few odd rituals and interests that only interfere with her daily life on occasion. She does not have an intellectual disability. Under the DSM-5, Natalie would be diagnosed with ____.

Accepted Answer

Natalie's characteristics align with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) under the DSM-5. ASD can involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and unique interests, but does not necessarily include an intellectual disability. Asperger's syndrome, which shares similar traits, is now considered part of the broader category of ASD within the DSM-5 framework.

Question 11

In approaching the biological etiology of autism, there are a variety of biological perspectives. All of these approaches have confirmed ____ in the development of autism spectrum disorder.

Accepted Answer

Research in the biological etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has identified genetic risk factors, environmental risk factors, and gene-environment interactions as contributing to the development of ASD. This comprehensive approach acknowledges the complexity of the disorder and the interplay between different types of risk factors.

Question 12

Which of the following is a neurodevelopmental disorder?

Accepted Answer

Intellectual disability is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder, which refers to a group of conditions with onset in the developmental period of life and typically involves developmental deficits that produce impairments of personal, social, academic, or occupational functioning.

Question 13

A splinter skill is said to exist when a ____.

Accepted Answer

A splinter skill refers to an ability that is significantly better than other abilities, often seen in individuals with developmental disorders, where they excel in specific tasks like spatial or rote memory but struggle with language or other areas.

Question 14

Candy is a two-year-old with a moderate intellectual disability. She appears to have a single crease across the palm of her hand, slanted eyes, and a harsh voice. What diagnosis would Candy most likely be given?

Accepted Answer

Candy's symptoms, including a single crease across the palm, slanted eyes, and a harsh voice, are characteristic of Down syndrome. These physical features are commonly associated with this genetic disorder.

Question 15

Which statement concerning the etiology of autism is correct?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which statement concerning the etiology of autism...

Question 16

Children who develop autism spectrum disorder have an innate vulnerability that is triggered by ____.

Accepted Answer

Environmental toxins are among the factors that can trigger autism spectrum disorder in children who have an innate vulnerability. This is because certain environmental exposures can affect brain development and function.

Question 17

What can pose a problem in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder?

Accepted Answer

There are no specific medical tests, like blood tests or imaging, that can definitively diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Diagnosis is based on behavioral observations and developmental history, making it challenging.

Question 18

Nicole interacted with her parents in a normal manner until she was one year old. Then, at one, she stopped abruptly and became increasingly alone and bizarre. There was no medical reason for this change. What is an appropriate diagnosis for Nicole?

Accepted Answer

The abrupt change in behavior at one year old, characterized by becoming increasingly alone and bizarre without a medical reason, aligns with symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Autism often becomes noticeable in the second year of life when developmental milestones involving social interaction and communication are affected.

Question 19

Audrey, an autistic child, would be expected to respond best to ____.

Accepted Answer

Autistic children often find comfort and are more responsive to inanimate objects due to their predictability and the control they can exert over them, unlike the unpredictability of human interactions.

Question 20

Two children are thought to have intellectual disabilities, but one is suspected of being autistic as well. Which characteristic would best help to identify the child with autistic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Splinter skills, which are abilities that are significantly higher than a person's overall level of functioning, are often observed in individuals with autism. These skills can stand out in contrast to other areas of significant challenge, helping to differentiate a child with autism from one with an intellectual disability without autism.

Quiz 16: Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence