ASD UPDATED TEST COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
GUIDE 2026
◉ What are the core features of ASD?
Answer: ASD includes both social communication & interaction
differences and restricted & repetitive behaviors (RRBs).
◉ What does social communication & interaction differences in ASD
refer to?
Answer: It refers to difficulties with eye contact, conversation, and
relationships.
◉ What are examples of restricted & repetitive behaviors (RRBs)?
Answer: Examples include repetitive movements, routines, and
intense interests.
◉ What does it mean that ASD is a spectrum?
Answer: It means that the presentation of ASD varies widely among
individuals.
◉ What is the preferred language in OT practice regarding
individuals with ASD?
, Answer: Use identity-first language (e.g., 'Autistic person') and
support-based language (e.g., 'high support needs').
◉ What is the prevalence of ASD in children in the U.S.?
Answer: Approximately 1 in 36 children.
◉ At what age can signs of ASD be detected?
Answer: Signs can be detected as early as 18 months, with reliable
diagnosis by age 2.
◉ What significant change did the DSM-5 make regarding autism
diagnoses?
Answer: It combined Autism, Asperger's, and PDD-NOS into one
diagnosis: ASD.
◉ What are the severity levels of ASD according to the DSM-5?
Answer: Level 1: Requires support; Level 2: Requires substantial
support; Level 3: Requires very substantial support.
◉ What are common social communication challenges in ASD?
Answer: Challenges include reduced eye contact, limited facial
expressions, and difficulty with turn-taking, conversations, and
relationships.
GUIDE 2026
◉ What are the core features of ASD?
Answer: ASD includes both social communication & interaction
differences and restricted & repetitive behaviors (RRBs).
◉ What does social communication & interaction differences in ASD
refer to?
Answer: It refers to difficulties with eye contact, conversation, and
relationships.
◉ What are examples of restricted & repetitive behaviors (RRBs)?
Answer: Examples include repetitive movements, routines, and
intense interests.
◉ What does it mean that ASD is a spectrum?
Answer: It means that the presentation of ASD varies widely among
individuals.
◉ What is the preferred language in OT practice regarding
individuals with ASD?
, Answer: Use identity-first language (e.g., 'Autistic person') and
support-based language (e.g., 'high support needs').
◉ What is the prevalence of ASD in children in the U.S.?
Answer: Approximately 1 in 36 children.
◉ At what age can signs of ASD be detected?
Answer: Signs can be detected as early as 18 months, with reliable
diagnosis by age 2.
◉ What significant change did the DSM-5 make regarding autism
diagnoses?
Answer: It combined Autism, Asperger's, and PDD-NOS into one
diagnosis: ASD.
◉ What are the severity levels of ASD according to the DSM-5?
Answer: Level 1: Requires support; Level 2: Requires substantial
support; Level 3: Requires very substantial support.
◉ What are common social communication challenges in ASD?
Answer: Challenges include reduced eye contact, limited facial
expressions, and difficulty with turn-taking, conversations, and
relationships.
