According to DSM-5-TR, autism is characterized by the following:
A. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts (Needs all 3 criterions to be met)
- Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity (Examples: Difficulties sustaining conversation, poor joint attention, little sharing of interest)
- Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction (Examples: poor eye-contact, unusual approach to people)
- Deficits in social relationships (Examples: Difficulties in making friends, poor imagination)
B.Deficits in behaviour (at least 2 of the following):
- Repetitive behaviours (e.g., repeating words, hand flapping)
- Rigid routines (e.g., distress at small changes)
- Restricted interests (e.g.,preoccupation with unusual objects)
- Overreaction or no reaction to sensory input (e.g.,adverse response to specific sounds or textures)
What is NOT Autism?
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Intellectual Disability
- Language Disorder
