Question 1

What has research revealed about the parents of autistic children?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that parents of autistic children use child-rearing styles that are similar to those used by parents of non-autistic children. There is no evidence to support choices A, B, or D.

Question 2

What is the risk of autism among the siblings of autistic patients?

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

Which of these diagnoses is given to people who exhibit symptoms of autism but do not have any major problems in communication and generally function higher in other areas?

Accepted Answer

Asperger's disorder is often diagnosed in individuals who exhibit symptoms of autism, such as difficulty with social interactions and repetitive behaviors, but do not have significant delays in language or cognitive development. This diagnosis was removed in the DSM-5 and is now included under the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Question 4

What basic problem is reflected in the communication difficulties and impaired social relationships of autistic children?

Accepted Answer

The lack of social imitation and reciprocity is reflected in the communication difficulties and impaired social relationships of autistic children. Autistic children struggle with understanding and responding appropriately to social cues, which can lead to difficulties in building and maintaining relationships with others.

Question 5

Some research has suggested that the brains of people diagnosed with autism compared to individuals without that diagnosis are

Accepted Answer

Some studies have found that the brains of individuals with autism have larger volumes compared to those without the diagnosis. However, this is not a universal finding and more research is needed in this area.

Question 6

What has research on twins revealed concerning a possible genetic etiology for autistic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Research on twins has consistently shown high concordance rates for monozygotic (MZ) twins, suggesting a strong role for genetic factors in the development of autistic disorder. Concordance rates for dizygotic (DZ) twins have been lower, further supporting the genetic etiology. However, the role of environmental factors cannot be completely ruled out.

Question 7

Who is most likely to suffer from autism?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that there is a higher likelihood of autism in families where there is already a child with autism. Therefore, Jack, whose brother has autism, is the most likely to suffer from autism. The other options do not have any known factors that increase the likelihood of autism.

Question 8

What characteristic of childhood disintegrative disorder factor distinguishes it from other pervasive developmental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Childhood disintegrative disorder is characterized by a minimum of two years of normal development, followed by a sudden and significant loss of previously acquired skills and abilities, such as language, social skills, and motor skills. This factor distinguishes it from other pervasive developmental disorders, such as autism, which do not involve a regression of skills.

Question 9

The extraordinary ability to recite the day of the week for any date is an example of a rare characteristic of autism called

Accepted Answer

The ability to recite the day of the week for any date is an example of savant performance, a rare skill seen in some individuals with autism. Echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases spoken by others, dysprosody is difficulty with rhythm and intonation, and Asperger's syndrome is a diagnosis on the autism spectrum.

Question 10

Recent research into the cause of autism has considered all of the following neurotransmitters and neuropeptides EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

What is savant performance?

Accepted Answer

Savant performance refers to an exceptional skill in a specific area, which can be far beyond what is considered typical or even possible for an individual with their level of cognitive or developmental functioning. Examples of savant skills include prodigious memory, incredible musical ability, and advanced mathematical skills. It is important to note that savant skills are often paired with deficits in other areas of functioning, such as social skills or communication abilities.

Question 12

Why are the apparent sensory deficits seen in some autistic children referred to as "apparent"?

Accepted Answer

The sensory deficits seen in some autistic children are referred to as "apparent" because there is no impairment in the sense organ itself. Rather, the individual's responding make it appear as if there is a sensory deficit. For example, a child with autism may appear to be not responding to a spoken request, but in reality, they may not be able to process and understand the request due to challenges in communication and social interaction.

Question 13

Some theorists propose that autism is related to elevated levels of endorphins. Although not yet proven, an association between endorphins and autism would seem to explain which aspect of autistic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Elevated levels of endorphins could potentially lead to impaired social interaction, as endorphins are involved in the regulation of social behavior and emotions. However, this is still a theoretical association and has not been fully proven or established. Impaired communication (A), self-destructive behavior (B), and repetitive and stereotyped motor behavior (D) are not directly related to endorphins.

Question 14

How would a psychologist describe the behavior of children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists would describe the behavior of children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders as restrictive and repetitive, as these children often display a limited range of interests and engage in repetitive behaviors or routines. They may also have difficulties with social interaction and communication. Terms like "psychotic," "manipulative and antisocial," or "dependent and emotionally needy" are not accurate descriptors of the behavior commonly seen in these children.

Question 15

Recent studies of the IQs of children with autistic disorder indicate that approximately what percentage of these children might also qualify for a diagnosis of mental retardation?

Accepted Answer

Recent studies suggest that approximately 50 percent of children with autistic disorder may also meet the criteria for a diagnosis of intellectual disability, previously referred to as mental retardation.

Question 16

Which pervasive developmental disorder that occurs mostly in females involves language and social impairment, deceleration of head growth, and poor coordination after a period of normal development?

Accepted Answer

The disorder described is Rett's disorder, which is a rare genetic disorder that predominantly affects females. It is characterized by a period of normal development followed by loss of language and social skills, repetitive hand movements, deceleration of head growth, and poor coordination. Asperger's disorder is another pervasive developmental disorder that involves social impairment, but language development is not typically affected. Childhood schizophrenia and childhood disintegrative disorder are both marked by significant impairments in multiple areas of functioning, but they do not typically involve the specific symptoms described in the question.

Question 17

Your family is discussing autism because a neighbor was recently diagnosed as suffering from autism. Most of the members of the family say they are not surprised because autism occurs in better-educated families. You recognize that this is not true so you tell your family it was the result of a referral bias. They look at you with puzzlement and ask you to explain. What do you say?

Accepted Answer

Referral bias occurs when a particular type of person is more likely to be included in a study or diagnosis group due to certain factors. In this case, the belief that autism occurs more often in better-educated families is incorrect. It is more likely that these families seek out diagnosis and treatment for their children at specialty clinics, leading to a referral bias where the sample of autistic children studied is skewed towards those from better-educated families.

Question 18

What is the typical course of autism?

Accepted Answer

Autism is a lifelong disorder that impacts an individual's communication, social interaction, and behavior. While interventions and therapies can help manage symptoms, there is no cure for autism.

Question 19

How do psychologists interpret the self-stimulation behavior of children with autistic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Psychologists interpret self-stimulation behavior of children with autistic disorder as a way to increase sensation to a desirable level. Children with autism have difficulty processing sensory information, and therefore engage in self-stimulation behavior as a means to regulate their sensory input. It is not interpreted as a death wish or a method for screening out unpleasant stimuli, nor is it necessarily an effort to overcome social isolation.

Question 20

While paging through back issues of a journal, you come across the term childhood schizophrenia. You wonder why you haven't heard it in your abnormal psychology class, so you ask your professor. What will he tell you about this term?

Accepted Answer

The term "childhood schizophrenia" was historically used but does not accurately describe the symptoms of what is now understood as autistic disorder or pervasive developmental disorder.

Quiz 15: Mental Retardation and Pervasive Developmental Disorders