Diagnostic Criteria for Autism

1. Diagnostic Criteria for Autism 6 or more symptoms in the following domains: • Qualitative impairment in reciprocal social interaction • Qualitative impairments in communication development (esp. social communication) • Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors, interest, or activities (often unusual in nature)

2. QualitativeImpairment in Reciprocal Social Interaction • Failure to develop appropriate peer relationships. • Marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behavior to regulate social interaction. • Lack of social or emotional reciprocity. • A lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, and achievements with other people.

3. Qualitative Impairment in Communication Development • Delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language. • Impairment in the ability to initiate and sustain conversation with others. • Stereotyped or repetitive use of language; idiosyncratic language use. • Lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitation of play.

4. Restricted Repetitive & Stereotyped Behavior • Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms. • Persistent preoccupation with parts or objects. • All-encompassing preoccupation with one interest that is either abnormal in intensity or focus. • Inflexible adherence to specific, non-functional rituals or routines.

5. Diagnosis • The Autism Spectrum • Austistic Disorder or Autism • Asperger’s Disorders • Rett’s Disorder • Pervasive Developmental Disorder, NOS

6. DSM-V (2013) Removal of Rett’s Disorder Collapse others into Autism Spectrum Disorder Combining A & B (  criteria to 3, all required) Must have 2 of 3 criteria for C. Age of onset extended into early childhood

7. Autism by the Numbers • Why are prevalence rates increasing? • Changes in diagnostic criteria & assessment • Inaccurate diagnoses • Research methodology • Environmental components • Cultural factors • Awareness *Source: Matson & Kozlowski, 2010