Autism Doesn’t Always Look the Same
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is one of the most talked about conditions, especially when children and young adults are concerned. It is a broad range of conditions that can present in a number of ways. Take our quiz and broaden your knowledge of autism.
1. What percentage of children are affected by autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control?
A. One in 19 children
B. One in 26 children
C. One in 32 children
D. One in 44 children
2. True or false? Autism is a spectrum disorder, with many different subtypes, and each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges.
3. Which of the following areas could be affected in someone with autism?
A. Social skills
B. Repetitive behaviors
C. Speech
D. Nonverbal communication
E. All of the above
4. Though the primary causes of autism are not known, research suggests a person’s genes, together with aspects of their environment, can affect development in ways that can lead to autism. Which of the following are factors associated with an increased likelihood of developing autism?
A. Having a sibling with ASD
B. Having older parents
C. Having certain genetic conditions (such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome)
D. Having a very low birth weight
E. All of the above
5. Though it can be diagnosed at any age, by what age do signs of autism usually appear in children?
A. 2 to 3
B. 4 to 5
C. 6 to 7
D. 8 to 9
6. True or false? In some cases, autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months.
7. Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and which of the following medical issues?
A. Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
B. Seizures or sleep disorders
C. Mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and attention issues
D. All of the above
8. True or false? People of all genders, races, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds can be diagnosed with autism.
9. Which of the following characteristics is NOT common in those with autism, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association that healthcare providers use to diagnose mental disorders?
A. Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
B. Difficulty waking up from Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep
C. Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
D. Having symptoms that affect one’s ability to function in school, work, and other
areas of life
10. Which of the following are examples of social communication/interaction behaviors those with autism may display?
A. Making little or inconsistent eye contact, appearing not to look at or listen to people who are talking
B. Infrequently sharing interest, emotion, or enjoyment of objects or activities
C. Often talking at length about a favorite subject without noticing that others are not interested or without giving others a chance to respond
D. Displaying facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said
E. All of the above
11. Which of the following are examples of restrictive/repetitive behaviors people with autism may display?
A. Repeating words or phrases (a behavior called echolalia)
B. Having a lasting intense interest in specific topics, such as numbers, details, or facts
C. Becoming upset by slight changes in a routine and having difficulty with transitions
D. Being more sensitive or less sensitive than other people to sensory input, such as light, sound, clothing, or temperature
E. All of the above
12. Those with autism can also display many strengths. Which of the following are areas that those with autism may excel in?
A. Being able to learn things in detail and remember information for long periods of time
B. Being strong visual and auditory learners
C. Excelling in math, science, music, or art
D. All of the above
13. True or false? Research shows that early intervention leads to positive outcomes later in life for people with autism.
compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH / Information provided by the National Institutes of Mental Health and AutismSpeaks.org.
ANSWERS
1. D. One in 44 children
2. True
3. E. All of the above
4. E. All of the above
5. A. 2 to 3
6. True
7. D. All of the above
8. True
9. B. Difficulty waking up from Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep
10. E. All of the above
11. E. All of the above
12. D. All of the above
13. True