Autism Spectrum Disorders and
Occupational Therapy Questions And
Answers
Why do there seem to be so many more children with ASD? •Increased awareness
•More uniform criteria for diagnosis
•Broader range of diagnosis
•Misdiagnosis
•Actual increase in the number of children with ASD
Defining ASD: DSM-5 •Restricted/repetitive behaviors/interests
•Restricted, repetitive activities as manifested by at least 2 of the following:
•stereotyped or repetitive speech, motor movements, or use of objects
•Excessive adherence to routines
•Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus
•Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual sensory interests
Previously Established Diagnosis •The DSM-V text states "Individuals with a well-
established DSM-IV diagnoses of autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, or pervasive
, Autism Spectrum Disorders and
Occupational Therapy Questions And
Answers
developmental disorder not otherwise specified should be given the diagnosis of autism spectrum
disorder"
Absolute Indications for •No babbling by 12 months
•No gesturing (pointing, waving bye-bye, etc.) by 12 months
•No single words by 16 months
•No 2 word spontaneous phrases by 24 months (not echolalic)
•ANY loss of ANY language or social skills at ANY age
Signs of Autism: Social communication & interaction •Expressive and/or receptive
language delay
•Limited use of communicative gestures, ie. Pointing, waving
•Use of atypical ways to communicate, ie. Leading by the hand
•May have history of regression of language skills at average age of 21 months
•Atypical social interaction
•Poor eye contact
Occupational Therapy Questions And
Answers
Why do there seem to be so many more children with ASD? •Increased awareness
•More uniform criteria for diagnosis
•Broader range of diagnosis
•Misdiagnosis
•Actual increase in the number of children with ASD
Defining ASD: DSM-5 •Restricted/repetitive behaviors/interests
•Restricted, repetitive activities as manifested by at least 2 of the following:
•stereotyped or repetitive speech, motor movements, or use of objects
•Excessive adherence to routines
•Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus
•Hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual sensory interests
Previously Established Diagnosis •The DSM-V text states "Individuals with a well-
established DSM-IV diagnoses of autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, or pervasive
, Autism Spectrum Disorders and
Occupational Therapy Questions And
Answers
developmental disorder not otherwise specified should be given the diagnosis of autism spectrum
disorder"
Absolute Indications for •No babbling by 12 months
•No gesturing (pointing, waving bye-bye, etc.) by 12 months
•No single words by 16 months
•No 2 word spontaneous phrases by 24 months (not echolalic)
•ANY loss of ANY language or social skills at ANY age
Signs of Autism: Social communication & interaction •Expressive and/or receptive
language delay
•Limited use of communicative gestures, ie. Pointing, waving
•Use of atypical ways to communicate, ie. Leading by the hand
•May have history of regression of language skills at average age of 21 months
•Atypical social interaction
•Poor eye contact
