Developing individual in society Lecture 9 : 10/12/2020 Developmental Disorders and Autism Lecturer: Niko Kargas What is atypical behaviour? Distinguishing between typical and atypical behaviour can be: - Difficult and problematic - Different depending on time and context - Dependent on culture - Different criteria have different implications for what is atypical, and if it implies a difference or disorder Behaviour that is typical are defined as 'normal' (Statistically frequent) Behaviours that are extreme or rare are defined as atypical, such as a very high or low IQ score. Atypical behaviour is any behaviour that is: - Distressing to the self or others (Such as depression or psychosis) - Dysfunctional for the person or society (Such as substance abuse disorders) - Violating the social norms of society (Such as psychopathy or conduct disorder) However, some of these are dependent on culture, as not all social norms are universal. These criteria offer a framework for defining atypicality and look for symptoms. This is important as it can facilitate the development of effective diagnostic tools and intervention, improving an individual's quality of life, inform our understanding of typical development, and improve accessibility to treatment. Developmental disorders A developmental disorder appears during development and it: - Delays one or multiple functions. - Can be physical or psychological. - Not curable, are indefinite. - 1 in 10 children have at least one developmental disorder. - Can be inherited, genetic or putative genetic. - Others are genetic but not inherited (Mutations).
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) A persistent deficit in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive patters of behaviours interests and activities. Can occur due to a genetic predisposition interacting with the environment, with a prevalence rate of 1/2:100. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Includes behaviours such as: - Inattentiveness - Hyperactivity - Impulsiveness 2/3:100, most common in boys. Diagnosis around 6-12 years of age. 75fi heritable, can also occur if born premature. Diagnosed via DSM-V. Treatment can include diet change, drug treatment, or behaviour therapy. Tourette Syndrome A condition that causes motor and vocal tics from the nervous system. - Twitches, movements. - Sounds that are repeated by the individual. - Swearing, though commonly seen as one, is not a tic. (Coprolalia, different to tourettes). 1:1000, more common in boys than girls. Linked to imbalance in brain neurotransmitter function and atypical development in function or size of certain brain regions. tt6fi co-occurrence with ADHD and OCD. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) Genetic disorder that affects behaviour, physiology and learning. Affects boys and girls, but boys more so than girls. Can have symptoms such as: - Developmental delays - Learning difficulty - Social difficulties - Issues with memory or holding attention - Sensory hypersensitivity - Face and body atypicalities, such as a long narrow face, flat feet and a large head/ears.
Rett's Syndrome Genetic disorder affecting neuronal development, leads to severe mental and physical disabilities. Not inheritable, but a result of genetic mutation of X chromosome in MECP2 Gene. Only occurs in females (1:12500).