Causes and Risk Factors of Autism: Comprehensive Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Which of the following is not considered a widely accepted risk factor for developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Accepted Answer

Advanced maternal age, over 35 years old

Answer

Genetic factors, such as family history of ASD

Answer

Exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy

Answer

Birth complications, such as premature birth or low birth weight

Question 2

Which type of genetic variation or mutation has been strongly linked to the development of ASD?

Accepted Answer

Copy number variation (CNV)

Answer

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)

Answer

Microsatellite repeat expansion

Answer

Tandem repeat

Question 3

What is a known risk factor for developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

Accepted Answer

Maternal age over 35 at birth

Accepted Answer

Exposure to certain medications during pregnancy

Answer

Childhood vaccinations

Question 4

Current research suggests that autism is primarily caused by:

Accepted Answer

Genetic factors

Answer

Prenatal viral infections

Answer

Environmental factors

Answer

Immunological disorders

Question 5

Which type of genetic variation is most strongly linked to autism?

Accepted Answer

Copy number variations (CNVs)

Answer

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)

Answer

Frameshift mutations

Answer

Missense mutations

Question 6

Which theory suggests that an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory brain chemicals contributes to autism?

Accepted Answer

Excitatory/Inhibitory Imbalance theory

Answer

Theory of Mind theory

Answer

Central coherence theory

Answer

Social Pragmatics Deficit theory

Question 7

How does paternal age impact the risk of autism?

Accepted Answer

It is directly correlated with risk.

Answer

It is inversely correlated with risk.

Answer

It has no significant impact on risk.

Answer

It increases risk only after the age of 40.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT considered a potential risk factor for Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Birth order

Answer

Advanced paternal age

Answer

Maternal exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy

Answer

Family history of autism

Question 9

According to the prevailing theories, what is believed to be a major cause of autism?

Accepted Answer

A combination of genetic and environmental factors

Answer

Single-gene mutation

Answer

Chromosomal abnormalities

Answer

Environmental factors only

Question 10

Which of the following is a protective factor against the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Maternal folic acid supplementation during pregnancy

Answer

Exposure to high levels of air pollution

Answer

Advanced maternal age

Answer

History of autoimmune disorders in the family

Question 11

Which environmental factor is believed to have the strongest association with autism?

Accepted Answer

Prenatal exposure to certain chemicals

Answer

Childhood vaccinations

Answer

Socioeconomic status

Answer

Parental stress

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a core characteristic of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Intellectual disability

Answer

Difficulties with social interaction

Answer

Delayed or absent language development

Answer

Highly organized interests and routines

Question 13

Which of the following conditions is commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Answer

Down syndrome

Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Answer

Type 1 diabetes

Question 14

Which theory suggests that autism is caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Neurochemical Imbalance Theory

Answer

Neurodevelopmental Theory

Answer

Theory of Mind Theory

Answer

Genetic Theory

Question 15

What is the most common genetic variant associated with ASD?

Accepted Answer

16p11.2 deletion

Answer

FRAXA gene mutation

Answer

MECP2 gene mutation

Answer

PTEN gene mutation

Question 16

Which theory suggests that ASD is caused by an imbalance between neural excitation and inhibition?

Accepted Answer

E-I imbalance theory

Answer

Theory of Mind

Answer

Multifactorial model

Answer

Neurodevelopmental model

Question 17

Social communication deficits are:

Accepted Answer

Essential for an ASD diagnosis

Answer

Only relevant for individuals with severe ASD

Answer

Not considered in diagnostic criteria

Answer

Only present in children with ASD

Question 18

Which imaging technique is used to examine brain structure and function in individuals with ASD?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

X-ray

Answer

Computed tomography (CT)

Answer

Ultrasound

Question 19

What is the term used to describe the difficulties individuals with ASD face in understanding the thoughts and feelings of others?

Accepted Answer

Theory of Mind

Answer

Empathy

Answer

Social cognition

Answer

Communication deficit

Question 20

What is the primary goal of early intervention in ASD?

Accepted Answer

To reduce symptoms and improve outcomes

Answer

To cure the condition

Answer

To diagnose the condition accurately

Answer

To prevent the development of ASD

Question 21

How do individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) commonly experience sensory processing differences?

Accepted Answer

They may avoid or seek out specific sensory stimuli.

Answer

They may be more sensitive to all sensory stimuli.

Answer

Sensory processing differences in ASD are only caused by environmental factors.

Answer

Individuals with ASD cannot learn to manage their sensory sensitivities.

Question 22

According to current research, which of the following is a potential genetic factor associated with autism?

Accepted Answer

Mutations in the FMR1 gene

Answer

Neurodevelopmental disorders

Answer

Environmental toxins

Question 23

Which genetic condition is considered a risk factor for autism?

Accepted Answer

Fragile X syndrome

Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Answer

Hemophilia

Answer

Cleft lip and palate

Question 24

Exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of autism. Which of the following is NOT an example of such a chemical?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D supplements

Answer

Lead

Answer

Valproic acid

Answer

Mercury

Question 25

Why is early diagnosis and intervention for autism crucial?

Accepted Answer

It can potentially improve outcomes and quality of life for the individual

Answer

It is mandatory by law

Answer

It guarantees a lifelong cure

Answer

It prevents the development of new symptoms

Question 26

Which therapeutic approach is commonly used to support individuals with autism in developing skills and managing behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Answer

Talk therapy

Answer

Hypnotherapy

Question 27

When interacting with individuals with autism, it is important to:

Accepted Answer

Be respectful and patient, and allow them space when needed

Answer

Speak to them in a loud and exaggerated tone

Answer

Force them to make eye contact

Answer

Overwhelm them with physical affection

Question 28

The concept of a 'spectrum' in autism refers to:

Accepted Answer

The wide range of symptom severity and characteristics

Answer

The different stages of development in autism

Answer

The number of individuals diagnosed with autism

Question 29

Ethical considerations when caring for individuals with autism include:

Accepted Answer

Respecting their rights, choices, and preferences

Answer

Using physical force to control their behavior

Answer

Ignoring their need for privacy

Answer

Talking about them in a derogatory manner

Question 30

Current research in autism primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Identifying risk factors, developing effective interventions, and improving outcomes for individuals with autism

Answer

Finding a single cause of autism

Answer

Eliminating autism completely

Question 31

What is a characteristic of the broader autism phenotype (BAP)?

Accepted Answer

Social difficulties in the absence of a formal ASD diagnosis

Answer

Intellectual disability

Answer

Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests

Question 32

What is the primary diagnostic criterion for ASD according to the DSM-5?

Accepted Answer

Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction

Answer

Repetitive behaviors and interests

Answer

Sensory sensitivities

Question 33

Which of the following theoretical models focuses on the role of sensory processing differences in ASD?

Accepted Answer

Sensory Integration Theory

Answer

Theory of Mind Deficit Theory

Answer

Weak Central Coherence Theory

Answer

Extreme Male Brain Theory

Question 34

What is the main purpose of genetic counseling for families affected by ASD?

Accepted Answer

To provide information and support for decision-making about recurrence risk

Answer

To diagnose ASD in family members

Answer

To offer prenatal testing for ASD

Question 35

Which of the following is a potential ethical concern in research on the causes of ASD?

Accepted Answer

Potential misuse of genetic information

Answer

Difficulty recruiting research participants

Answer

Complexity of ASD genetics

Answer

Limited funding for research

Question 36

What is the primary goal of early intervention for children with ASD?

Accepted Answer

To enhance development and improve outcomes

Answer

To cure ASD

Answer

To prevent the development of ASD

Question 37

Which genetic condition is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorder?

Accepted Answer

Fragile X syndrome

Answer

Sickle cell anemia

Answer

Down syndrome

Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Question 38

Which environmental exposure during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to certain pesticides

Answer

Social isolation of the mother

Answer

Maternal caffeine intake

Answer

Childhood vaccinations

Question 39

Which theory proposes that autism spectrum disorder results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors?

Accepted Answer

Multifactorial model

Answer

Theory of mind

Answer

Cognitive deficit model

Answer

Social deficit theory

Question 40

What type of genetic inheritance pattern is most frequently associated with autism spectrum disorder?

Accepted Answer

Multifactorial inheritance

Answer

Autosomal recessive inheritance

Answer

Autosomal dominant inheritance

Answer

X-linked inheritance

Question 41

Which theory suggests that autism spectrum disorder arises from an inability to comprehend the mental states of others?

Accepted Answer

Theory of mind

Answer

Social deficit theory

Answer

Cognitive deficit model

Answer

Multifactorial model

Question 42

Which characteristic is typically NOT associated with autism spectrum disorder?

Accepted Answer

Strong verbal communication skills

Answer

Repetitive behaviors

Answer

Restricted and repetitive interests

Answer

Impairments in social interactions

Question 43

When conducting research on the causes of autism spectrum disorder, which ethical consideration is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Respecting participants' privacy and confidentiality

Answer

Prioritizing the timely dissemination of research findings

Answer

Balancing the potential benefits and risks of the research

Answer

Ensuring cost-effectiveness of the research