Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder categorized by persistent social communication and interaction challenges and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. According to Goldstein and Ozonoff (2018), the diagnosis of ASD involves a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a team of professionals. This typically includes psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and other specialists, though a singular expert conducting a diagnosis is possible. Diagnosing ASD usually begins with the identification of potential signs and symptoms. These can include delays or difficulties in speech and language development, social interaction deficits, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, and other observational data (Goldstein & Ozonoff, 2018). Concerns may be raised by parents, caregivers, teachers, or healthcare professionals observing these behavioral patterns.

The diagnosis of ASD can be made at any age, but it is most commonly identified in early childhood, often between the ages of 2 and 3. Early intervention is crucial, allowing for timely support and intervention to maximize the child's developmental potential. The DSM-5 provides specific criteria for diagnosing ASD. The DSM-5 requires certain domains to be present (Matson, 2016).

1. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as manifested by:

• Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity

• Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors

• Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships

2. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following(Matson, 2016):

• Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech

• Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized behavior patterns.

• Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus.

• Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment.

References

Goldstein, S. & Ozonoff, S. (2018). Assessment of autism spectrum disorder. Guilford

Publications.

Matson, J. L. (2016). Handbook of assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

Springer.

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