Autism Diagnosis
(Also Known As: Atism Diagnosis, Autistic Diagnosis, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Diagnosis, Autistic Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis)
(Reviewed by: Paul Peterson, Licensed Therapist)
How is Autism Diagnosed?
In order to properly diagnose autism, the following diagnostic factors must be met:
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At least six (6) of the symptoms in items 1-3, with at least two (2) from item 1, and at least one (1) from items 2 and 3.
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Significant impairment in social interaction, as shown by at least two (2) of the following:
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Great difficulty in the use of various non-verbal behaviors, such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expressions, body gestures and postures to control or adjust social interaction
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Failure to develop peer-to-peer relationship at the appropriate developmental level
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A lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests or achievement with other people
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Lack of social or emotional reciprocity
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Significant impairment in communication, as shown by at least one (1) of the following:
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Delay in or total lack of the development of spoken language
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In people with adequate speech there is a great difficulty in initiating or sustaining conversation with others.
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Stereotyped or repetitive use of language or peculiar language
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Lack of varied spontaneous make-believe or imitative play at the appropriate developmental level.
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Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, as shown by at least one (1) of the following:
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Extreme preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted areas of interest that is abnormal in intensity or focus
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Inflexible adherence or obedience to specific nonfunctional routines or rituals
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Repetitive and stereotyped motor mannerisms (i.e. hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
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Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
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Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one (1) of the following areas, with onset before the age of three (3) years: a.) social interaction, b.) language as used in social communication, or c.) symbolic or imaginative play.
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The symptoms cannot be better explained by Rett’s Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.
Could You Have Autism?
Autism Topics
Related Conditions
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