- Applied Behavior Analysis Autism Core Knowledge Questions and Answers Flashcards

According to the DSM-5, the two core diagnostic domains for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are:

Answer: Deficits in social communication/interaction and restricted/repetitive behaviors

DSM-5 consolidated the three previous domains (social, communication, repetitive behavior) into two: social communication/interaction deficits and restricted/repetitive behaviors.

Joint attention refers to:

Answer: Coordinating attention with another person toward a shared object or event

Joint attention is the ability to share focus on an object or event with another person, a key early social-communication milestone often impaired in ASD.

Which of the following BEST describes echolalia as seen in individuals with ASD?

Answer: Repetition of words or phrases previously heard, either immediately or after a delay

Echolalia is the repetition of heard speech, which can be immediate (right after hearing it) or delayed (hours or days later).

Sensory sensitivities in individuals with ASD are classified in the DSM-5 under which domain?

Answer: Restricted, repetitive behaviors (hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input)

The DSM-5 includes hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input as a criterion within the restricted/repetitive behavior domain.

In ABA-based early intervention for ASD, which approach most closely mirrors natural developmental sequences by embedding learning in child-led play?

Answer: Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs)

NDBIs (e.g., ESDM, JASPER, PRT) combine developmental science and ABA principles, embedding teaching within natural, child-initiated interactions.

Theory of mind deficits in ASD refer to difficulty with:

Answer: Understanding that others have mental states (beliefs, desires, intentions) that differ from one's own

Theory of mind (ToM) is the ability to attribute mental states to others; deficits in ToM are associated with social difficulties in ASD.