Autism Spectrum
Disorder
Definition and Overview:
A. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by
persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted,
repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
B. ASD is a spectrum disorder, meaning individuals with ASD may exhibit a wide range of
symptoms and severity levels.
C. Onset typically occurs in early childhood, and symptoms may persist throughout the
individual's life.
, A. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM-5) outlines the criteria for
Diagnostic Criteria:
diagnosing ASD.
B. Core symptoms include deficits in social
communication and interaction, along with the
presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors.
A. Impaired Social Communication and Interaction:
Core Features: 1. Difficulties in nonverbal communication (e.g., eye
contact, gestures).
2. Challenges in developing and maintaining
relationships.
B. Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behavior:
1. Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements.
2. Insistence on sameness and resistance to change.
3. Highly focused interests.
4. Unusual sensory responses (e.g., hyper- or hypo-
reactivity to sensory stimuli).
A. ASD affects individuals of all races, ethnicities,
and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Prevalence and Demographics:
B. Boys are diagnosed with ASD more frequently
than girls, with a male-to-female ratio of
approximately 4:1.
C. Prevalence rates have been increasing, possibly
due to improved awareness and diagnostic criteria.
1. Strong evidence for a genetic basis, with multiple
genes implicated.
Etiology:
2. Increased risk in families with a history of ASD.
B. Environmental Factors:
1. Prenatal and perinatal complications may
contribute.
Disorder
Definition and Overview:
A. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by
persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted,
repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
B. ASD is a spectrum disorder, meaning individuals with ASD may exhibit a wide range of
symptoms and severity levels.
C. Onset typically occurs in early childhood, and symptoms may persist throughout the
individual's life.
, A. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM-5) outlines the criteria for
Diagnostic Criteria:
diagnosing ASD.
B. Core symptoms include deficits in social
communication and interaction, along with the
presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors.
A. Impaired Social Communication and Interaction:
Core Features: 1. Difficulties in nonverbal communication (e.g., eye
contact, gestures).
2. Challenges in developing and maintaining
relationships.
B. Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behavior:
1. Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements.
2. Insistence on sameness and resistance to change.
3. Highly focused interests.
4. Unusual sensory responses (e.g., hyper- or hypo-
reactivity to sensory stimuli).
A. ASD affects individuals of all races, ethnicities,
and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Prevalence and Demographics:
B. Boys are diagnosed with ASD more frequently
than girls, with a male-to-female ratio of
approximately 4:1.
C. Prevalence rates have been increasing, possibly
due to improved awareness and diagnostic criteria.
1. Strong evidence for a genetic basis, with multiple
genes implicated.
Etiology:
2. Increased risk in families with a history of ASD.
B. Environmental Factors:
1. Prenatal and perinatal complications may
contribute.
