Get Dsm 5 Autism Spectrum Disorder Fact Sheet

* In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association merged four distinct autism diagnoses into one umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They included autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.

Autism is one of a group of neurodevelopmental disorders known as pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). These disorders are characterized by three core deficits: impaired communication, impaired reciprocal social interaction and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors or interests.

Why the types of autism shifted to one diagnosis Prior to that, they were categorized as five different types of autism: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Rett Syndrome (a rare genetic disorder).

DSM-5 criteria for ASD diagnosis. Professionals diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the basis of difficulties in two areas social communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviour or interests. To be diagnosed with ASD, children must: have difficulties in both areas.

Restricted, repetitive behaviors Great distress/difficulty changing focus or action. Marked deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills; social impairments apparent even with supports in place; limited initiation of social interactions; and reduced or abnormal responses to social overtures from others.

Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction, ranging, for example, from poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication; to abnormalities in eye contact and body language or deficits in understanding and use of gestures; to a total lack of facial expressions and nonverbal ...

Restricted, repetitive behaviors Great distress/difficulty changing focus or action. Marked deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills; social impairments apparent even with supports in place; limited initiation of social interactions; and reduced or abnormal responses to social overtures from others.

The DSM-5 redefined autism. Its predecessor, the DSM-IV-TR, included five Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs): Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Rett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).