Clever Grades

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BIOLOGICAL EXPLANATIONS OF AUTISTIC SPECTRUM BEHAVIOURS

Neurological & Genetic Bases

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often understood through biological factors indicating neurological and genetic bases.

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AMYGDALA DYSFUNCTION

Abnormal amygdala activity affects recognition of facial expressions and understanding social cues, core challenges in autism.
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CHLORIDE IONS AT BIRTH

Abnormal regulation of chloride ion concentrations in neurons during early development disrupts the balance of excitatory and inhibitory brain signals.
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GENETIC PREDISPOSITION

These genetic factors affect brain development, synaptic function, and neuron connectivity, contributing to autistic traits.

Individual Differences Explanations

Cognitive Processing Differences

Psychological theories emphasize differences in cognition and mental processing explaining ASD symptoms. We will focus on key cognitive theories that explain core social challenges.

Cognitive Deficits

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Theory of Mind (ToM)This theory suggests individuals with autism have difficulty understanding others’ mental states, intentions, and feelings—a deficit in 'mind-reading'.
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Weak Central Coherence (WCC)According to this theory, autistic people focus on details rather than integrating information into a coherent whole.

Gender Differences in Diagnosis

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GENDER DIFFERENCES: ASD is diagnosed more often in males, leading to hypotheses about gender-specific neurological and cognitive patterns. Female autism often presents differently, with better social camouflage abilities, leading to underdiagnosis.

Societal and Relational Influences

Social explanations investigate societal and relational influences shaping autistic behaviours.

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MALE BEHAVIOUR

The predominantly male diagnosis rate is linked to societal and biological factors. Social expectations also influence how behaviours are perceived and diagnosed in boys versus girls.
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EMPATHISING-SYSTEMISING THEORY

This theory explains autism through exaggerated systemising and diminished empathising.
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REFRIGERATOR MOTHER THEORY

Historically, autism was mistakenly attributed to cold, unloving parenting. Though discredited, this theory influenced early approaches and stigmatization.

E-S Theory Postulate

Systemising (Rules) > Empathising (Emotions)
Proposed by Simon Baron-Cohen, the imbalance leads to focused interests and social interaction difficulties often seen in ASD.

Methods of Modifying Behaviours

Interventions focus on improving communication and social skills.

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PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)

PECS is a communication tool that uses pictures to help non-verbal or minimally verbal autistic individuals express needs, make requests, or engage socially.
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RDI (Relationship Development Intervention)

RDI is a family-based program designed to improve social and emotional skills. It encourages children to develop flexible thinking, emotional regulation, and shared social experiences.

Complementary Approaches

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Many other approaches, such as Applied Behaviour Analysis and speech therapy, complement these interventions to tailor support to individual needs.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder Flashcards
Term
Amygdala and Autism

What role does the amygdala play in autism?

Answer
Explanation

It processes emotions and social signals; dysfunction can cause difficulties in social interaction and emotional regulation in ASD.

Term
Chloride Ion Imbalance

How can chloride ion imbalance at birth affect ASD development?

Answer
Effect

It disrupts excitatory and inhibitory brain signals, impairing neural connectivity and causing sensory sensitivities.

Term
Genetic Causes

Is autism caused by a single gene?

Answer
Genetics

No, multiple genetic variants contribute to autism risk, affecting brain development and neuron connectivity.

Term
Theory of Mind

What does the Theory of Mind explain regarding ASD?

Answer
Concept

Individuals with autism have difficulty understanding others' mental states and intentions, leading to social misunderstandings.

Term
Weak Central Coherence

What is Weak Central Coherence?

Answer
Definition

A cognitive style where attention is focused on details over the bigger picture, affecting social and abstract understanding.

Term
Diagnosis Rate Differences

Why is autism more often diagnosed in males?

Answer
Factors

Possibly due to neurological differences, prenatal hormones, and social factors influencing detection and presentation.

Term
Empathising-Systemising Theory

What does the Empathising-Systemising Theory suggest?

Answer
Theory

ASD involves strong systemising abilities but reduced empathising, causing social interaction challenges.

Term
Refrigerator Mother Theory

What was the Refrigerator Mother theory?

Answer
History

A discredited idea blaming cold parenting for autism, which contributed to stigma in early autism research.

Term
PECS

What is PECS and its purpose?

Answer
Tool

Picture Exchange Communication System, a tool using pictures to aid communication in non-verbal autistic individuals.

Term
Relationship Development Intervention

What does Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) focus on?

Answer
Focus

Enhancing social and emotional skills through guided family interactions to improve adaptive functioning.

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🧠 Autism & Neuroscience Quiz

1. Which brain structure is primarily linked to difficulties in emotional processing in autism?

The amygdala processes emotions and social signals; its dysfunction is implicated in ASD social difficulties.

2. What does Theory of Mind in autism refer to?

Theory of Mind deficits cause challenges in predicting others’ thoughts and feelings.

3. True or False: Autism is caused by a single gene mutation.

Autism is influenced by multiple genetic factors, not a single gene.

4. What is a key feature of Weak Central Coherence theory?

This cognitive style leads to difficulty integrating information into a whole.

5. Which intervention uses pictures to help non-verbal autistic individuals communicate?

PECS facilitates communication via picture exchanges for those with limited speech.

📊 Results

  • Notes and Quiz
  • Psychology
  • AS & A Level
  • Developmental Psychology
  • WJEC