Question 1
This question is associated with Topic 3, Sections 1.4.1, 1.4.2, 2.4.1, 2.4.2, 3.2.1 and 3.2.2. It assesses module learning outcomes KU1, KU3, KU4 and KS1.
Total: 45 marks
To answer this question, you will be working with some data on the prevalence and incidence of autism in children aged 8 years in the UK. These data are presented in Tables 1 and 2 below.
To demonstrate good academic practice, you should include citations for your sources of information in parts (e), (f) and (g) of this question. You can provide references after each of these question parts, or in one list at the end of all your answers to this question.
Table 1
Year Number of boys in the study population Number of cases Number of new cases in this year
2004 145 483 521 172
2005 143 721 535 170
2006 147 049 568 190
2007 142 229 540 173
2008 138 847 543 170
2009 138 317 566 180
Table 2
Year Number of girls in the study population Number of cases Number of new cases in this year
2004 136 752 109 27
2005 135 511 112 30
2006 138 548 112 34
2007 134 083 125 41
2008 130 876 107 29
2009 130 367 106 30
(a)Calculate the prevalence and incidence for all children (boys and girls) in the study population for each of the years 2004 to 2009. Express your answers as percentages rounded to two decimal places.
Present your results in a table with a suitable title and the headings: Year; Number of children in the study population; Number of cases; Prevalence; Number of new cases in this year; Incidence.
Show your working for one of your calculations beneath your table, so that your tutor can provide feedback on how you have worked out your percentages.
(15 marks)
Year Number of boys in the study population Number of cases Number of new cases in this year
2004 145483 521 172
2005 143721 535 170
2006 147049 568 190
2007 142229 540 173
2008 138847 543 170
2009 138317 566 180
Year Number of girls in the study population Number of cases Number of new cases in this year
2004 136752 109 27
2005 135511 112 30
2006 138548 112 34
2007 134083 125 41
2008 130876 107 29
2009 130367 106 30
(b)Explain what is meant by ‘prevalence’ and ‘incidence’, using examples from your answer to part (a). Remember to use your own words in your answer.Word limit: 150 words
(4 marks)
(c)From the data you presented in part (a), explain whether there is any evidence for a change in autism prevalence rates in children aged 8 years during the years 2004 to 2009. Word limit: 100 words
(2 marks)
(d)For the year 2004, calculate the prevalence of autism in boys and the prevalence of autism in girls. Present your answers as percentages rounded to two decimal places. Then show the prevalence of boys compared to girls as a ratio. Show all your calculations in your answer.
(3 marks)
(e)In Topic 3, you were introduced to some theories which may explain the difference in autism prevalence between girls and boys. Using your knowledge from the module materials, discuss the evidence that any differences in prevalence between girls and boys could be explained by differences in biology.
Word limit: 250 words
(8 marks)
(f)The data in Tables 1 and 2 were obtained from information entered into a medical database by UK general practitioners (GPs). The information was based on the child’s clinical record.
In Topic 3, Section 1.4.2, you read about an epidemiological study by Wing and Gould (1979). How was the information about autism prevalence obtained in this study?
Were there any differences in prevalence rates between the two studies, and if so, what would be the most likely explanation for this?
Word limit: 200 words
(6 marks)
(g)In Topic 3 you explored the possible alterations to ‘executive function’ in people with autism. Describe how this aspect of cognition might be altered in a child with autism when, for example, they have been set a task to complete at school.
Outline one method that can be used to detect these changes in a child with autism and give one limitation of the method you have described.
Word limit: 200 words
(7 marks)
Question 2
This question is associated with Topic 3 and assesses module learning outcome KU2. The aim of this question is to encourage you to take notes on biological concepts as you work through Topic 3. This will be useful as a revision tool and will help you to answer the biological sections of the EMA.
Complete the SK298 TMA 01 Biology table with some summary notes on the biology relevant to understanding autism (Topic 3). Remember that notes should be brief, written in your own words and should clarify how the biology is linked to autism. Add at least three key points to each column of the table, including section numbers for the relevant module materials.
We have provided a note on the biology relevant to lissencephaly (Topic 2) as an example to illustrate the level of detail/coverage you need. 1 note point = 1 mark.
Word limit: 150 words
(10 marks)
TMA 01 Biology Brain structure(s) or region(s) involved (e.g. structural changes, functional changes, cellular changes) Neurotransmitters and/or pathways involved Genetic mechanisms involved
Lissencephaly (Topic 2)
Included as an example In type I, number of cortical layers is reduced compared to ‘normal’ development, while cortical thickness is increased (Section 2.1.2).
Autism (Topic 3)
