Deck 14: Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Question 1

Recent research has shown that

A)ADHD is found equally among boys and girls.
B)ADHD is caused by a single gene called DAT 1.
C)the brains of children with ADHD are 3-4% smaller than children without ADHD.
D)The same medications used to treat depressive symptoms are the most effective at reducing symptoms of ADHD.

Answer 1

the brains of children with ADHD are 3-4% smaller than children without ADHD.

Question 2

Based on a telephone survey of parents in the United States, researchers found that ______ of children between 4 and 17 years of age were diagnosed with ADHD between 2011 and 2012.

A)2.5%
B)6%
C)9%
D)11%

Answer 2

11%

Question 3

ADHA is found in about _________ of the child populations across all regions of the world.

A)1-2%
B)3-9%
C)8-10%
D)10-13%

Answer 3

3-9%

Question 4

Psychological disorders are considered developmental disorders when there is a

A)change in symptoms over the lifespan.
B)genetic component to the disorder.
C)neurological basis for the condition.
D)general decline in functioning over time.

Question 5

Which of the following environmental influences has been found to contribute to the development of ADHD?

A)prenatal smoking
B)low socioeconomic status
C)parental marital instability and discord
D)all of the above

Question 6

The major reason that developmental disorders are considered to be so serious in terms of their capacity to disrupt later functioning is

A)the fact that medications used in children can have long-term effects.
B)the impact that they have on family functioning.
C)that the purely biological nature of developmental disorders leads to subsequent developmental failures.
D)that failure to develop at one level is thought to inhibit later stages of development.

Question 7

Recent research has shown that ADHD

A)is considered to be highly influenced by genetics with a relatively small role played by environmental influences.
B)is caused by multiple genes.
C)appears be related to the neurotransmitter dopamine.
D)all of the above

Question 8

What are the three types of symptoms for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder?

A)hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention
B)inattention, distraction, hyperactivity
C)inattention, impulsivity, distraction
D)hypervigilance, increased startle, distraction

Question 9

Although not classified as 'developmental disorders', most psychological disorders can be considered developmental in nature because they

A)appear early in life and change over the lifespan.
B)have a genetic component.
C)lack biological causes and are influenced by learning.
D)are unique to children.

Question 10

Because the diagnosis of ADHD is comparable across countries,

A)ADHD is considered the normal high activity level of children.
B)it is now found to be equally prevalent among boys and girls.
C)this suggests that ADHD should not be thought to be the result of intolerant parents.
D)this suggests that ADHD has significantly increased and spread worldwide.

Question 11

The inattention category of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms is characterised by

A)careless mistakes.
B)fidgeting.
C)not waiting one's turn to answer questions.
D)accelerated motor skills.

Question 12

The most accurate statement with regard to the genetic influences of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is

A)there are no known genetic influences.
B)there appears to be a single gene influence.
C)there appear to be multiple genetic influences.
D)defects on the Y chromosome are the major influence.

Question 13

Which of the following often overlaps with ADHD?

A)oppositional defiant disorder
B)bipolar disorder
C)conduct disorder
D)all of the above

Question 14

An individual diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder will always present with

A)hyperactive behaviour that alternates with periods of distraction.
B)patterns of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity.
C)both patterns of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
D)periods of distraction that lead to hyperactive/impulsive behaviour.

Question 15

The main reason that it is so important to identify children with developmental disorders as early as possible is that

A)medications are most effective when administered at an early stage of the disorder.
B)skill deficits can be identified and addressed before they impact later development.
C)family functioning often declines as the developmental disorder progresses.
D)children are more receptive to therapy when they are young.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT characteristic of ADHD?

A)inattention
B)learning disabilities
C)self-control
D)fidgeting

Question 17

ADHD tends to occur in families where another family member has ADHD and with increased rates of all but which of the following?

A)conduct disorders
B)mood disorders
C)substance abuse
D)eating disorders

Question 18

The hypothesis that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be influenced by toxins, food additives or diet

A)is based on well-controlled studies.
B)is not well understood or studied, but generally effective as a treatment.
C)appears true for a small subset of individuals diagnosed with ADHD.
D)has little to no scientific evidence.

Question 19

In order to diagnose an individual with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, it is necessary for symptoms to be present in

A)both symptom clusters.
B)the hyperactivity cluster.
C)the area of impulsivity.
D)either of the symptom categories.

Question 20

One of the most common reasons that children are referred for mental health services in the United States is

A)ADHD.
B)autism.
C)pervasive developmental disorder.
D)stuttering.

Question 21

Victoria is very concerned about giving her son Kingsley medication to treat his hyperactivity.She read that the use of prescription medications to treat ADHD places children at increased risk for later substance abuse.If she were to treat her son with medication, which would be the best one to give him that would address these concerns?

A)Ritalin
B)Concerta
C)Adderall
D)Strattera

Question 22

Recent ADHD research has focused on endophenotypic correlates of

A)specific attentional characteristics.
B)emotional control.
C)extraverted characteristics.
D)environmental factors.

Question 23

Ritalin and Concerta, medications generally used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, are classified as

A)minor sedatives.
B)depressants.
C)stimulants.
D)antidepressants.

Question 24

The study of how your genetic makeup influences your response to certain drugs is called

A)behaviour genetics.
B)psychopharmacology.
C)psychopharmacogenetics.
D)psychogenetics.

Question 25

Senzo is a 12-year-old boy of average intelligence, as indicated by his IQ scores.He loves school and works hard on his homework.Senzo has earned straight As in every subject except maths, where he has been achieving grades in the C range.Which of the following statements is correct?

A)Senzo does not appear to have a specific learning disorder because his achievement is consistent with expectations based on his intelligence.
B)Senzo appears to have a maths disorder because his maths grade is so far below his other grades.
C)Senzo appears to have a maths disorder because there is a discrepancy between his intelligence and his achievement in many subjects.
D)Senzo does not appear to have a specific learning disorder because he has shown that he can achieve when he wants to.

Question 26

A specific learning disorder is defined as

A)academic performance that is substantially below the level predicted by the individual's age, IQ and education.
B)a complete inability to learn in a given academic subject.
C)a substandard IQ score in comparison to the individual's family and educational background.
D)the existence of a neurological deficit that interferes with the individual's ability to assimilate new information.

Question 27

Why would it be incorrect to say that individuals diagnosed with specific learning disorders are not intelligent?

A)It would confuse specific learning disorders with giftedness.
B)The concept of specific learning disorder has absolutely nothing to do with intelligence.
C)Specific learning disorders can be diagnosed in people of any intelligence, since they are partially determined by academic performance that falls substantially below IQ-based expectations.
D)Specific learning disorders are only diagnosed in people of high intelligence.

Question 28

All of the following are problems seen to result from specific learning disorders EXCEPT

A)low employment.
B)school drop-out.
C)drug abuse.
D)suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Question 29

All of the following side effects EXCEPT ____________ are associated with some of the medications that are used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

A)insomnia
B)headaches
C)irritability
D)weight gain

Question 30

Recent research has found the following with regard to the causes of ADHD:

A)Food colours and additives, which for years were thought to cause ADHD, then later refuted, now appear to have a small but measurable impact on increased levels of hyperactivity.
B)Pesticides found in foods may be a contributing factor to an increased risk of ADHD.
C)both a and b
D)neither a or b

Question 31

Which area of learning is affected by a specific learning disorder in approximately 4-10% of the population?

A)written expression
B)oral communication
C)mathematics
D)reading

Question 32

An alternative to using the discrepancy between IQ and achievement in identifying children with specific learning disorders is

A)discrepancy prognosis.
B)learning intervention strategy.
C)response to intervention.
D)none of the above

Question 33

Non-medication treatments for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder usually involve

A)interpersonal therapy.
B)behavioural programmes and social skills training.
C)brief, inpatient treatment at a specialty hospital.
D)cognitive behavioural therapy and diet control.

Question 34

The drug Strattera (atomoxetine) appears effective for some children with ADHD and, according to recent research, does not cause the same _______ as stimulant medication when used in larger doses.

A)intolerance
B)withdrawal symptoms
C)'high'
D)academic disturbance

Question 35

Which best describes the way attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) develops as children grow into adulthood?

A)Children tend to outgrow ADHD.
B)ADHD tends to evolve into more severe forms of pathology.
C)Symptoms remain relatively stable throughout the lifespan for most individuals.
D)Manifestations of ADHD tend to change over time but many problems often persist.

Question 36

Alexandra is a sixth-grade girl who has great difficulty in school.She pays attention and works hard but appears to have trouble remembering facts and concepts she has read about.Before we can determine whether Alexandra has a learning disability, it is most important to know her

A)family history.
B)social skills.
C)maths skills.
D)IQ.

Question 37

Which of the following is not one of the medications that has been found to reduce the core symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as improving concentration, in those with ADHD?

A)Ritalin
B)Concerta
C)Strattera
D)Haldol

Question 38

Neurotransmitters implicated in the cause of ADHD include all of the following EXCEPT

A)dopamine.
B)glutamate.
C)noradrenaline.
D)GABA.

Question 39

Stimulant medications seem to treat ADHD because they

A)reinforce the brain's ability to focus attention.
B)decrease emotional response.
C)distribute attention.
D)increase dream sleep.

Question 40

Jacob is a nine-year-old boy recently diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.His parents have chosen a combined approach to treatment.If their approach is based on what research suggests is most effective, it will most likely involve

A)new experimental medications and behaviour therapy.
B)no medication but a combination of behavioural therapy and parent training.
C)medication such as Ritalin and behaviour therapy.
D)medication such as Ritalin and psychoanalysis.

Question 41

Researchers studying the brain of individuals with autistic disorder suggest that one area of the brain that may be involved with the disorder is the

A)brain stem.
B)hypothalamus.
C)amygdala.
D)reticular formation.

Question 42

Studies with identical twins have indicated that reading disorders

A)run in families.
B)have no genetic component.
C)are influenced more by learning than genetics.
D)have a smaller genetic component than mathematics disorders.

Question 43

Given the available intervention strategies for specific learning disorders, the method that probably has the best chance of overcoming the specific learning disorder is

A)development of better study skills.
B)efforts to develop compensating cognitive skills.
C)systematic instruction and teaching for mastery.
D)improving overall intelligence.

Question 44

One of the most characteristic patterns for children with autistic disorder is that they are generally

A)uninterested in people.
B)very intelligent.
C)extremely talkative.
D)hyperactive.

Question 45

Which of the following is currently being researched as a possible cause of autistic disorder?

A)the neuronal structure of the hippocampus
B)the levels of the neuropeptide oxytocin
C)the mercury used as a preservative in childhood vaccines
D)all of these

Question 46

Ronelle is a three-year-old girl who appears uninterested in people.She generally interacts with her mom only when she needs something.In some ways, Ronelle seems to be interested in her mother only as a tool to help her get what she wants.Ronelle would probably be diagnosed with

A)autistic disorder.
B)childhood disintegrative disorder.
C)ADHD.
D)a specific learning disorder.

Question 47

Parents who have a child with autism spectrum disorder have about a ____ chance of having another child with such a disorder.This rate is more than 100 times the risk in the general population, lending weight to the idea that there is a strong genetic component to these conditions.

A)20%
B)8%
C)13%
D)29%

Question 48

Alvin is a 10-year-old boy diagnosed with a mathematics disorder.His treatment plan will most likely involve

A)teaching him different strategies to improve cognitive skills.
B)stimulant medication.
C)developing an educational plan that exempts him from mathematics requirements.
D)placing him in a school for children with a specific learning disorder.

Question 49

One intriguing finding from research involving reading disordered individuals who speak multiple languages is that

A)reading disorders are independent of culture/language.
B)individuals who speak more than one language rarely have specific learning disorders.
C)evidence of the reading disorder may exist for one or two languages, while the individual may be completely free of the disorder in another language.
D)the complexity of the English language may contribute to the higher rate of reading disorder in English-speaking countries.

Question 50

In terms of the level of support that will be necessary for an autistic child, which factor is used as a predictor to determine the prognosis?

A)age of onset
B)severity of initial symptoms
C)rate of symptom progression
D)IQ

Question 51

Ahmed is a three-year-old boy recently diagnosed with autistic disorder.He appears completely unresponsive to his parents and shows no indication of any language development.Ahmed seems uninterested in communication of any kind and has significant rituals such as lining up his toys and realigning them every few minutes.He becomes hysterical if anyone interrupts his ritualistic activity.On an IQ assessment designed for very young children, Ahmed's score was extremely low.His prognosis is poor primarily because of

A)lack of language acquisition and low IQ.
B)low IQ and early age of onset.
C)early age of onset and lack of language acquisition.
D)ritualistic behaviour and disinterest in his parents.

Question 52

Management of specific learning disorders generally involves

A)stimulant medication.
B)educational intervention and assistance.
C)family therapy.
D)cognitive-behavioural therapy.

Question 53

Jabu is a 14-year-old girl with autistic disorder who seems compelled to run around touching each door every time she comes home.If she is prevented from touching each door, she has a tantrum.This is an example of

A)restricted behaviour pattern.
B)social impairment.
C)ritualistic behaviour.
D)maintenance of sameness.

Question 54

The restricted pattern of behaviour generally observed in autistic disorder involves

A)repetitive movements such as spinning in circles.
B)an intense preference for keeping things the same.
C)inappropriate communication patterns.
D)lack of recognition of significant others.

Question 55

The ability to perform 'computer-like' mathematical calculations and other incredible skills that are sometimes associated with autistic individuals (such as the character in the movie Rain Man) are

A)not typical of the disorder.
B)a defining symptom of the disorder.
C)fairly common but not present in every autistic individual.
D)a complete myth and not possible for any autistic individual.

Question 56

All of the following are typical behaviours for children with autistic disorder EXCEPT

A)spinning a wheel on a toy truck and starring at it for hours.
B)throwing a loud tantrum when prevented from carrying out a ritual.
C)becoming wildly upset when one toy was removed from the shelf.
D)performing complex math calculations that appear well beyond their abilities.

Question 57

Research regarding the behaviour of the parents of autistic children suggests that autistic disorder is

A)the result of cold and aloof parenting.
B)the result of a complex interaction of genetics and parenting style.
C)the result of overindulgent parenting style.
D)not the result of parenting behaviours.

Question 58

All of the following were previously classified as pervasive developmental disorders EXCEPT

A)childhood disintegrative disorder.
B)Rett's disorder.
C)autistic disorder.
D)specific learning disorder.

Question 59

Most autistic individuals develop symptoms of the disorder =

A)at birth.
B)before age one.
C)before age three.
D)before teen years.

Question 60

The fact that reading disorders occur most often in English-speaking countries may be due to

A)the relative difficulty of English.
B)differences in left-brain dominance across cultures.
C)differences in right-brain dominance across cultures.
D)different educational practices across cultures.

Question 61

Intellectual disability is defined as

A)below-average intellectual ability.
B)below-average intellectual ability and adaptive functioning.
C)significant deficits in self-care abilities.
D)low IQ score.

Question 62

Individuals with intellectual disability show an extremely

A)similar range of abilities and personalities.
B)similar range of abilities, although personality varies greatly.
C)broad range of abilities and personalities.
D)varied ranges of abilities, although personality tends to be quite similar.

Question 63

Which treatment approach has been most clearly documented as benefitting children with autistic disorder by helping to decrease agitation?

A)pharmacological treatment
B)behavioural approaches
C)school education
D)parent support

Question 64

The goal of most modern therapy for people with autistic disorder is to

A)have the child and family accept the inherent limitations of the disorder.
B)provide a separate and secure environment for the individual.
C)integrate the autistic child into regular society as much as possible.
D)isolate autistic children in intensive therapy for as long as possible before attempting to introduce them into the larger world.

Question 65

Joe is 24 years old, lives in a rural area and works as a helper/stock boy in a small local store.Joe's IQ was tested when he was in elementary school and again in high school.His IQ score was about 68 and he did not finish high school.Joe lives in a guesthouse on his parents' farm, and although he does spend lots of time with his family, he takes care of himself.Based on the information provided, Joe should receive a diagnosis of

A)intellectual disability.
B)borderline intellectual disability.
C)specific learning disorder.
D)no diagnosis.

Question 66

Lindi is a 14-year-old autistic girl currently participating in a behavioural social skills training programme for autistic adolescents.Jane's most likely outcome from this programme is

A)relatively normal socialisation for her age.
B)no progress at all.
C)improvement in her socialisation skills.
D)significant improvement in her socialisation skills.

Question 67

An individual with an IQ score of 35 would be classified with __________ intellectual disability.

A)mild
B)moderate
C)severe
D)profound

Question 68

Modern treatment programmes for autistic disorder generally involve

A)pharmacological treatments.
B)psychological supports for communication and socialisation problems.
C)behavioural approaches.
D)all of these

Question 69

An appropriate treatment goal for a child with autistic disorder is

A)resolution of all autistic symptoms by age 18.
B)immediate cessation of ritualistic behaviours.
C)development of normal social skills by age 18.
D)reduction in tantrums and enhancement of communication skills.

Question 70

Based on the research of Lovaas (1987), improvements in the intellectual and educational functioning of autistic children have been documented for intervention programmes that

A)use a group therapy model.
B)provide multiple therapists.
C)last for 40 hours or more per week.
D)are school based.

Question 71

Research on the social skills of people with autistic disorder suggests that people with the condition

A)are interested in socialisation but do not know how to socialise.
B)are not interested in socialisation.
C)enjoy social relationships but cannot express this joy.
D)none of these

Question 72

Jake is an 8-year old boy with autistic disorder whose parents have just been informed that their son will be provided with whatever special psychological support he needs.Jake's parents should

A)insist on a special education classroom since research suggests this is best for autistic children.
B)consider changing schools because it is obvious that Jake's school knows nothing about the needs of autistic children.
C)be relieved that Jake's autism must be very mild since the school would not place a child with significant autistic deficits in a regular classroom.
D)be pleased since research suggests that this approach is best for children with autistic disorder.

Question 73

Generally speaking, the treatment for a child with autistic disorder should involve

A)behavioural therapy, school education and a focus on developing as much independence as possible.
B)behavioural therapy, home schooling and a focus on developing as much independence as possible.
C)cognitive therapy, school education and a focus on developing as much independence as possible.
D)behavioural therapy and a focus on provision for long-term custodial care.

Question 74

Medication treatment for autistic disorder has been found to be ____________ in addressing the core symptoms of the disorder.

A)mildly effective
B)ineffective
C)generally effective
D)highly effective initially, though the benefits of medication decrease over time

Question 75

The diagnostic criteria for intellectual disability include an assessment of adaptive functioning because an IQ score is

A)not a measure of intelligence.
B)an insufficient measure of impairment.
C)not adjusted statistically for people of different ages.
D)always highly inaccurate.

Question 76

The results of behavioural treatment targeting the socialisation deficits of individuals with autistic disorder have shown

A)no improvement.
B)that those with autism can improve their socialisation skills.
C)that those with autism can significantly improve their socialisation skills.
D)that there is some improvement but it is not permanent.

Question 77

Some success has been noted in the development of communication skills in autistic children through the use of

A)modelling appropriate communication.
B)behavioural procedures involving shaping and discrimination training.
C)intensive therapy where the patient is placed in many social situations.
D)stimulant medications.

Question 78

An individual with an IQ score of 60 would be classified with _______ intellectual disability.

A)mild
B)moderate
C)severe
D)profound

Question 79

Research by Lovaas (1987) and others suggest that intervention for autism may be most effective when it is provided

A)at as young an age as possible.
B)during adolescence.
C)during late childhood/early adolescence.
D)to adults.

Question 80

The DSM 5 criteria for intellectual disability are an IQ that is

A)significantly below average and symptom onset prior to age 18.
B)significantly below average, deficits in adaptive functioning, and onset prior to age 18.
C)significantly below average, deficits in communication, and onset prior to age 18.
D)significantly below average and deficits in adaptive functioning.