MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS WITH DETAILED RATIONALES
LATEST UPDATE
Question 1
Which of the following is the core diagnostic feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD) according to the DSM-5?
A) Intellectual disability
B) Persistent deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors
C) Hyperactivity and impulsivity
D) Acute onset of psychotic symptoms
E) Language delay alone
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The DSM-5 defines ASD by two core domains: (1) persistent deficits in
social communication and interaction across multiple contexts, and (2) restricted,
repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Intellectual disability,
hyperactivity, and psychosis are not core features, though they may co-occur.
Language delay alone is insufficient for diagnosis.
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Question 2
At what age is ASD typically considered reliably diagnosable?
,A) Birth
B) 6 months
C) 18–24 months
D) 5 years
E) 7 years
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: While early signs may appear in infancy, a reliable diagnosis of ASD
can typically be made by 18–24 months of age. Developmental trajectories become
clearer, and standardized diagnostic instruments are validated for this age range.
However, many children are not diagnosed until later due to variability in symptom
expression.
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Question 3
Which of the following is a characteristic social communication deficit in ASD?
A) Using excessive gestures to compensate for speech
B) Preferring solitary play with rigid adherence to rules
C) Impaired ability to initiate or respond to social interactions
D) Advanced theory of mind abilities
E) Excessive eye contact during conversations
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Impaired ability to initiate and respond to social interactions is a
hallmark deficit. Individuals with ASD often show reduced social reciprocity,
difficulty with back-and-forth conversation, and limited sharing of interests.
,Excessive gestures, advanced theory of mind, and excessive eye contact are not
characteristic; in fact, the opposite is typical.
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Question 4
Which screening tool is most commonly recommended by the American Academy
of Pediatrics for ASD at 18- and 24-month well-child visits?
A) M-CHAT-R/F
B) ADOS-2
C) ADI-R
D) CARS-2
E) SCQ
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, revised with Follow-up
(M-CHAT-R/F) is a parent-report screening tool specifically recommended by the
AAP for universal screening at 18 and 24 months. ADOS-2 and ADI-R are
diagnostic, not screening, instruments. CARS-2 and SCQ are also used but not the
primary AAP-recommended first-line screen.
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Question 5
The "gold standard" diagnostic instrument for ASD research and clinical practice is
the:
A) M-CHAT-R/F
B) ADOS-2
, C) GARS-3
D) SRS-2
E) ABC
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-
2) is a semi-structured, standardized assessment of communication, social
interaction, play, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. It is widely considered the
gold standard for diagnostic evaluation, especially in research settings, when
combined with developmental history.
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Question 6
Which of the following is NOT a restricted, repetitive behavior domain in ASD?
A) Stereotyped motor movements
B) Insistence on sameness
C) Highly restricted, fixated interests
D) Delayed language onset
E) Hyper- or hyporeactivity to sensory input
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Delayed language onset is a communication feature, not a
restricted/repetitive behavior. The DSM-5 includes stereotyped motor movements,
insistence on sameness, fixated interests, and sensory abnormalities as part of the
restricted/repetitive behaviors domain.
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