ASD - Diagnosis

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Diagnosis Overview

Introduced into the DSM-III in 1980 as a "pervasive developmental disorder."
Eligible for special education services starting in 1990.
Asperger’s Syndrome included in the DSM in 1994.

The DSM-5 (2013) replaces previous specific conditions with the broader term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
- High functioning autism
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
- Asperger’s Disorder

ASD is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, evidenced by all of the following:
- Deficits in social reciprocity: Difficulty in back-and-forth conversations, lack of shared interest.
- Limited non-verbal communication: Challenges with body language, eye contact, and gestures.
- Difficulty in relationships: Challenges in understanding, establishing, and maintaining relationships.

At least two of the following must be present:
- Stereotyped, repetitive movements or speech: Hand-flapping, echolalia.
- Insistence on sameness: Difficulty with changes in routine or environment.
- Restricted, fixated interests: Intense focus on specific subjects or objects, such as trains or numbers.
- Hyper- or hypo-reactivity: Over- or under-sensitivity to sensory input (sounds, textures).

Severity Levels for Criteria 1 & 2:
- Very substantial support (Level 3)
- Substantial support (Level 2)
- Support needed (Level 1)
Language impairment: Potential delays or deficits in language skills.
Medical concerns: Including gastrointestinal problems, sleep issues, or seizure disorders.
Comorbid conditions: Other neurodevelopmental, psychological, or behavioral disorders may accompany ASD.
Intellectual impairment: Possible co-occurring cognitive delays or disabilities.