Question 1

Which of the following has been associated with autism?

Accepted Answer

Defective genes or radiation damage have been associated with autism, but Down syndrome, mutations of chromosome 23, and Huntington's disease have not.

Question 2

Individuals with Down syndrome typically show which of the following characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with Down syndrome often have large tongues and short fingers, which can contribute to difficulty with speech and fine motor skills. They do not necessarily have extremely small heads and brains, pale eyes/skin/hair, or abnormal amounts of cerebrospinal fluid in the cranium.

Question 3

When symptoms of mental retardation are not apparent until after age 17,

Accepted Answer

Mental retardation is typically diagnosed in childhood, and if symptoms appear after age 17, it is more likely to be classified as dementia rather than mental retardation.

Question 4

With respect to how he or she functions in relationships, an individual with mild mental retardation is most comparable to

Accepted Answer

The answer of With respect to how he or she...

Question 5

Jenny has an IQ in the average range. However, at school she is doing very poorly. She has consistently scored at two or more grade levels below the grade she is actually in. From this, a diagnostician would hypothesize that Jenny

Accepted Answer

Jenny's consistently low performance despite having an average IQ suggests that she may have a learning disability that is affecting her academic performance. This is the most likely explanation for her struggles in school. Anxiety disorder and mental retardation are less likely based on the information given, and the fact that her IQ is average does not rule out the possibility of a learning disability.

Question 6

Despite what is shown in movies like Rain Man, most autistic children would not cope well being brought to a Las Vegas casino for the first time, because

Accepted Answer

Autistic children often have difficulties with sensory processing, particularly with auditory stimulation. They may become overwhelmed by the loud noises and flashing lights in a Las Vegas casino, which can lead to overstimulation and agitation. Additionally, they may prefer routine and predictability, so being in a new and unfamiliar environment could be distressing. They may also have difficulty with social interactions and may become anxious around large groups of people. Touching things they aren't allowed to touch may also be a concern, but the sensory overload and anxiety are likely to be more significant factors in their discomfort in a casino setting.

Question 7

In autistic children, head banging, spinning in circles, and rocking are behaviors that

Accepted Answer

Head banging, spinning in circles, and rocking are common forms of self-stimulation in autistic children. These repetitive behaviors may help the child feel more regulated and in control, as well as provide sensory input to the nervous system. They do not typically serve as ways of communicating without language or as a response to aversive routines.

Question 8

Genetic factors

Accepted Answer

Genetic factors are most clearly involved in the more severe forms of retardation, such as those caused by chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. While not all cases of retardation are caused by genetic factors, they are still quite common in many levels of retardation. Therefore, options A and C are not correct. Option D is also not correct since genetic factors can be involved in other forms of retardation beyond Down syndrome.

Question 9

The most widely known and studied learning disorder is

Accepted Answer

Dyslexia is the most widely studied learning disorder and is characterized by difficulties in reading, writing, and spelling despite normal intelligence and adequate education. Mental retardation is not a learning disorder, but a cognitive disability. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, while conduct disorder is a behavioral disorder marked by aggressive and/or delinquent behavior.

Question 10

Which of the following would be most distressing to a child with autism?

Accepted Answer

Children with autism tend to rely on familiar routines, environments, and objects for comfort and safety. Altering a familiar environment can therefore be very distressing, as it disrupts their sense of security and predictability. Soft, monotonous sounds, a consistent routine, and a normal sleep pattern are all factors that might help to calm and regulate a child with autism, rather than distress them.

Question 11

It has been suggested that the symptoms seen in autism might reflect a problem with the function of the

Accepted Answer

Research has indicated that the glutamate neurotransmitter system may be involved in the symptoms of autism, as it plays a crucial role in synaptic transmission and neural communication, which are often disrupted in autism spectrum disorders.

Question 12

By definition, learning disorders

Accepted Answer

The answer of By definition, learning disorders
...

Question 13

Despite studies such as by Ivar Lovaas, the overall prognosis for children with autism is

Accepted Answer

While early intervention and treatment can greatly improve outcomes, the overall prognosis for children with autism is still poor. According to the CDC, only about 1/3 of individuals with autism will be able to live independently and work in competitive employment. The majority will require some level of support throughout their lives.

Question 14

Ron works as a custodian's helper at a school, under supervision of the custodian. Ron can read and write his name, and can read first-grade books. He moves slowly and sometimes with difficulty. Ron most likely has

Accepted Answer

Ron's ability to read his name and first-grade books suggests that he has some level of cognitive function. However, his slow and difficult movements indicate some level of motor impairment. These characteristics are commonly associated with individuals with moderate mental retardation.

Question 15

An asymmetry in brain development has been hypothesized to be a cause of

Accepted Answer

The answer of An asymmetry in brain development has been...

Question 16

Drug treatment for autistic disorder has been found to be

Accepted Answer

Drug treatment for autistic disorder, particularly with atypical antipsychotics, has been found to be of some value in reducing aggressive behaviors and improving social interactions. However, the use of neuroleptics like haloperidol or hormone replacement drugs is not recommended due to their significant side effects and limited effectiveness in treating autism. Additionally, these drugs may cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen the child's symptoms.

Question 17

The long held belief that children with Down syndrome are especially placid and loving

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that the belief that children with Down syndrome are especially placid and loving is invalid. Children with Down syndrome have a wide range of personalities and traits, just like any other child.

Question 18

A learning disability usually is identified

Accepted Answer

A learning disability is usually identified when there is a significant disparity between a child's actual academic achievement and their expected academic achievement. This is typically discovered through the evaluation and assessment process, which may be initiated by teachers or other school administrators. However, it is important to note that a child's emotional problems and sudden decline in academic performance may also be signs of a learning disability and should be addressed through appropriate evaluation and intervention.

Question 19

The extremely intensive experimental behavior program designed by Ivar Lovaas for children with autism

Accepted Answer

The extremely intensive experimental behavior program designed by Ivar Lovaas for children with autism helped almost half of the children in the treatment program achieve normal intellectual functioning.

Question 20

Autism

Accepted Answer

The answer of Autism
...

Quiz 15: Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence