DEFINITION

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in two major areas[1]:
  • Social communication and social interaction and
  • Restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities
• ASD is classified under the Neurodevelopmental Disorders section of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5)[1].
  • The DSM-5 has an extensive, but not exhaustive, list of criteria for ASD. For these detailed criteria, please see the DSM-5 itself[1].
  • The criteria-based diagnosis requires deficits in social communication/interaction across multiple contexts and restricted, repetitive behavior/interests.
  • ASD encompasses DSM-IV’s[2] autistic disorder; childhood disintegrative disorder; pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified; Asperger’s disorder.