A diagnosis of Autism is based on the presence of a cluster of observable behavioural symptoms and lack of skills in particular areas of functioning. To receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder a person must exhibit symptoms from all of the following areas:
1. Impairments in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
- marked impairment in the use of nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expressions, body postures, and gestures as part of their social interaction;
- failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level;
- a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest);
- lack of social or emotional reciprocity.
2. Impairments in communication, as manifested by at least one of the following:
- delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through some other method of communication such as gesture or mime);
- in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others;
- stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language;
- lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level.
3. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
- encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus;
- apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals;
- stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g. hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole body movements);
- persistent preoccupation with parts of objects.
In addition, delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age three years must also be present:
- social interaction;
- language as used in social communication; or
- symbolic or imaginative play.
It is also important to rule out Rhett's Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder as the possible cause of these symptoms.
Take Note ... The above information is only general reference material and should not be used to diagnose an individual. If you suspect your child may show behaviours related to Autism, consult your child's Paediatrician as soon as possible.
[1] This information has been adapted from the Diagnostic Criteria for 299.00 Autistic Disorder sourced from The American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Washington DC, American Psychiatric Association, 1994.
|
