Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects a person’s behaviors and social interactions. The “spectrum” component of this diagnosis highlights the wide range of presentations, which essentially serves as an umbrella for what was previously four separate diagnoses:
- Autistic Disorder
- Child Disintegrative Disorder
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder
- Asperger Syndrome
The span of potential strengths and challenges associated with ASD can make both diagnosis and management difficult. Early intervention is the key to overcoming these challenges. Symptoms of ASD fall under two main categories:
Social Communication and Interactions
- Difficulty with turn taking in conversation
- Deficits in ability to understand the emotions of others and share own emotions
- Inappropriate use or understanding of eye contact, body language, and tone of voice
- Challenges with developing and maintaining friendships
Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviors
- Repetitive movements (e.g., hand flapping)
- Highly fixated and intense interests
- Rigid behavior (e.g., strict adherence to routines)
- Excessively high or low sensitivity to sensory experiences (e.g., fascination with lights)
While this list covers many commonly observed symptoms, it is not exhaustive. If you or others recognize a number of these symptoms in your child, an evaluation with a neuropsychologist can help with proper diagnosis and strategies for success.
Reference:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: APA.