5 Steps to a 5 AP Psychology 2019

Take a Diagnostic Exam ❮ 41

Scoring rubric for Essay 2

This is a 9-point essay

Points 1–2: Two characteristic symptoms of ASD can include any of the following: ongo-
ing social problems; difficulty communicating and/or interacting with others; repetitive
behaviors; limited interests or activities; manifestations that typically are recognized
in the first two years of life; attributes that impede the individual’s ability to function
socially, at school or work, or in other life activities.
Poinst 3−4: Two risk factors may include gender, siblings with ASD, older parents at time
of birth, and genetic conditions such as Down’s syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and
tuberous sclerosis.
Points 5−6: Medication and inherent risk Several medications are used to treat symptoms
of ASD. Examples of the medications and associated risks are below.

Medication Risk

Risperidone (Risperdal) Jerky, involuntary movements; anxiety, insomnia,

muscle spasms

SSRIs Increased suicidal thoughts, agitation or nervous-

ness, dizziness, drowsiness

Tricyclics Blurred vision, weight gain or loss, reduced blood

pressure upon standing

Psychoactives or antipsychotics Drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, weight gain,

tremors

Stimulants Chest pain, high blood pressure, muscle weakness,

rashes

Antianxiety medications Increased risk of suicide in children, agitation or

nervousness, dizziness, drowsiness

Anticonvulsants Serious drop in the number of white blood cells

and/or platelets, rashes, liver failure, anemia

Point 7: Psychological treatment. Early integrated developmental and behavioral interven-
tions for ASD include family training, speech therapy, hearing impairment therapy,
nutritional services, physical therapy, behavioral management therapy, cognitive
therapy, joint attention therapy, and social skills training.
Poinst 8−9: Two characteristics that differentiate ADHD and ASD can include how the
brain develops in ADHD and how children with ASD struggle to focus on things they
dislike while those with ADHD lose interest and avoid focusing on things they dislike.