How Is Autism Diagnosed? Part One--DSM-IV

Autism is a neurological disorder marked by pervasive developemental delays in speech, social, motor, and cognitive skills.  Currently, the most widely recognized diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders is found in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th Edition). This manual is published by The American Psychiatric Association. It defines and sets the criteria for all known mental disorders, including autism.  Due to the potential variation and degree of symptoms for autism, it is best diagnosed by a medical professional experienced in assessing and treating individuals with autism.

Diagnostic Criteria for 299.00 Autistic Disorder

1. A total of six (or more) items from (1), (2), and (3), with at least two from (1), and one each from (2) and (3):
   
   
   
   1. qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
      
      
      
      1. marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
      
      
      2. failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
      
      
      3. a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest)
      
      
      4. lack of social or emotional reciprocity
      
      
      
      
   
   
   2. qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following:
      
      
      
      1. delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime)
      
      
      2. in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others
      
      
      3. stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language
      
      
      4. lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level
      
      
      
      
   
   
   3. restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
      
      
      
      1. encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
      
      
      2. apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
      
      
      3. stereotyped and repetitive motor manners (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
      
      
      4. persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
         
          
      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   


2. Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years: (1) social interaction, (2) language as used in social communication, or (3) symbolic or imaginative play.


3. The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett’s Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.