Autism is diagnosed when the patient meets the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition – Text Revision. At least six characteristics from the following three categories must be present, including at least two from the social interaction category and one each from the communication and patterns categories.Social interaction
Patient displays impairment in social interaction, as shown by at least two of the following:
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marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors, such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
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failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
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no spontaneous sharing of enjoyment, interests, or achievements with others
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lack of social or emotional reciprocity
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gross impairment in ability to make peer friendships.
Communication
Patient displays impairment in communication, as shown by at least one of the following:
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delay in or total lack of development of spoken language
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in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in initiating or sustaining a conversation with others
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stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language
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lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level.
Patterns
Patient displays restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and Continue reading »
