https://youtu.be/cdhEwAZP-gI
An explanation of the crazy weather pattern this winter in California
Delta Notch Numb: Neurogenesis Society
A humorous science skit.
Delta: Hey guys, have you ever wondered why we have such unusual names? I mean, put together, we sound like a Notched-up college Greek Society; a bunch of undergrads that go totally Numb after an exhausting Rush.
Delta Notch Numb: Neurogenesis Society
Delta: Hey guys, have you ever wondered why we have such unusual names? I mean, put together, we sound like a Notched-up college Greek Society; a bunch of undergrads that go totally Numb after an exhausting Rush.
SWAN - Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior
Lexicon [Measures]- SWAN
The SWAN is more for ADHD and not designed specifically for autism.
The SWAN (Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior) Rating Scale is a tool to assess ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents.
The SWAN Rating Scale consists of 18 items that capture various domains of ADHD symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It uses a Likert-type scale ranging from 0 (far below average) to 3 (far above average) to rate the presence and severity of each symptom. The scale can be completed by parents, teachers, or other caregivers who have regular contact with the child.
Scoring of the SWAN involves summing the ratings for each item to obtain a total score. Higher scores indicate greater ADHD symptomatology. The scale also allows for the calculation of subscale scores for inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Limitations with its use in autism.
The SWAN Rating Scale was developed by Dr. Stephen J. Kupper in 2006.
- Lack of specificity: The SWAN focuses on ADHD symptoms and may not capture the full range of challenges and behaviors associated with autism. Autistics may exhibit ADHD symptoms as part of their broader autism profile, but there may be additional symptoms and impairments not assessed by the SWAN.
- Difficulty differentiating symptoms: Some symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, can overlap with symptoms of autism, making it challenging to disentangle the two conditions based solely on the SWAN.
The SWAN Rating Scale was developed by Dr. Stephen J. Kupper in 2006.
Constant Overload
Being bombarded by the sensory system
A constant overload, it never endsSensory overwhelmed, a feeling of prison
Trapped in my own mind, with no friends.
Poor somatosensory body mapping
A constant confusion, a foggy haze
I struggle to understand my own body
A feeling of being lost, in a daze
Words get stuck, inside my head
Apraxic, struggles to speak
A feeling of frustration, so very unique
As talking eludes me, instead
It can be a struggle, to navigate
This world that's full of sensation
I need to find a way
… with determination
Equanimity is the self-love that allows us to love others
Towards a more humane society. #MentalHealth. Contemplation, one line a day.
Chilling on a houseboat
This is where I would like to be today on my birthday.
Chilling on a houseboat in the Kerala backwaters
(photo taken a few years back)
Chilling on a houseboat in Kerala's backwaters
Coconut trees sway along the shore
The sun dips low, painting the sky with colors
A serene moment, that I'll forever adore.
A moment of peace
Wandering from woods at the back
Gentle, graceful steps
Moment of peace, nature's gift
Unfazed by noise and haste
Their presence brings me ease
In this tranquil, natural space.
Equanimity is the inner peace that radiates outwards
Towards a more humane society. #MentalHealth. Contemplation, one line a day.
Hints of green
On brown trees, hints of green
A herald of spring
Softly appears, shy and demure,
A promise of new life, fresh and pure
Softly appears, shy and demure,
A promise of new life, fresh and pure
The brain is a Giant Prediction Machine
Poem follows Prof Mark Wallace's comment in class "The Brain is a giant prediction machine" after a discussion on the growing popularity of Bayesian Statistical Models in research.
The brain is a giant prediction machine
Bayesian model-like, it constantly schemes
Past experiences and memories in its grasp
Current sensory input, processed in a flash.
A bundle of irrational worry
I am a bundle of irrational worry
Each day i wake up with dread and hurry
Fears and doubts consume, a constant flurry
Hope still flickers in internal jury
Each day i wake up with dread and hurry
Fears and doubts consume, a constant flurry
Hope still flickers in internal jury
STAT: Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children
The Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT) is a play-based screening measure designed to identify early signs of autism in toddlers and young children. It t assesses social communication and play behaviors associated with ASD in children between 24 and 36 months of age.
Limitations
Limitations
The STAT is a screening tool and not a diagnostic instrument. A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional is necessary for a definitive autism diagnosis.
Scoring and Interpretation
The STAT includes a series of play-based activities and social interactions between the child and the examiner. The examiner observes and scores the child's behaviors in different domains, such as joint attention, pretend play, and social responsiveness.
The STAT scoring involves rating specific behaviors observed during the play-based interactions. The scoring criteria may vary depending on the specific version or adaptation of the STAT being used. There are established cutoff scores that help identify children who may be at risk for ASD and require further evaluation by a qualified professional.
History and Revisions:
The STAT was developed by Wendy Stone, Barry L. Prizant, and Samuel P. Openden in 2008.
Citation:
Stone, W. L., Prizant, B. M., & Openden, S. (2008). The Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228625486_STAT_Screening_Tool_for_Autism_in_Toddlers_and_Young_Children
Scoring and Interpretation
The STAT includes a series of play-based activities and social interactions between the child and the examiner. The examiner observes and scores the child's behaviors in different domains, such as joint attention, pretend play, and social responsiveness.
The STAT scoring involves rating specific behaviors observed during the play-based interactions. The scoring criteria may vary depending on the specific version or adaptation of the STAT being used. There are established cutoff scores that help identify children who may be at risk for ASD and require further evaluation by a qualified professional.
History and Revisions:
The STAT was developed by Wendy Stone, Barry L. Prizant, and Samuel P. Openden in 2008.
Citation:
Stone, W. L., Prizant, B. M., & Openden, S. (2008). The Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228625486_STAT_Screening_Tool_for_Autism_in_Toddlers_and_Young_Children
WISC - Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children
Lexicon [Measures] - WISC
WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) is an IQ test used in children (age 6-16 yrs 11 mo) and takes approximately 60-85 minutes. It was developed by David Wechsler (5th Ed 2014).
Limitations wrt Autism
Autistic children may have specific challenges related to social communication, sensory sensitivities, and executive functioning, which can impact their performance on certain subtests. [Also see post on Why IQ Testing especially problematic in the Autistic Population]
WISC has 10 Subtests that fall under 5 index score categories
- Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI):
- Similarities: verbal reasoning and concept formation by assessing the ability to identify how two words or concepts are similar.
- Vocab: language development and word knowledge by asking the child to define or explain the meaning of various words
- Information: general knowledge and comprehension of factual information by asking questions about a wide range of topics.
- Visual Spatial Index (VSI)
- Block Design: Assesses spatial perception, visual-motor integration, and problem-solving abilities through block imitation
- Fluid Reasoning Index (FRI):
- Matrix Reasoning: nonverbal reasoning & fluid intelligence by asking child to identify patterns and complete visual matrices.
- Picture Concepts
Picture Concepts: analyze visual stimuli, recognize relationships, and form abstract concepts by asking the child to identify common features and group pictures based on concepts.
- Working Memory Index (WMI):
- Digit Span: attention and working memory through ability to repeat a series of digits forwards and backward.
- Picture Span: working memory through recall of sequence of pictures in correct order
- Processing Speed Index (PSI)
- Coding: measure visual-motor speed and attention by child copying symbols paired with numbers within a specified time limit
- Symbol Search: visual scanning and processing speed by asking the child to identify target symbols within a specified time limit.
Scoring and Interpretation
Index scores are derived from specific combinations of subtests and provide an overall assessment of an child's cognitive strengths and weaknesses in those domains.
The Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) is the combination of the index scores. It represents overall intellectual functioning and is calculated based on the combined performance across all subtests.
Interpretation involves comparing an individual's performance to normative data (percentile ranks, confidence intervals, and descriptive categories), considering the person's age and the index and subtest scores obtained.
Wechsler, D. (2014). Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V). San Antonio, TX: Pearson.
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