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Diagnosis is a requirement in many instances to obtain medications and services. Professionals diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder based on criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The diagnosis is then translated into the required International Statistical Classification of Diseases and
Related Health Problems, tenth revision (ICD-10) code. This code is needed for reimbursement and reporting.
There are significant changes in the structure and labels within the DSM-5. It appears that the newly defined Autism Spectrum Disorder is much more narrow and specific. For some individuals a diagnosis of Language Disorder or Social (Pragmatic) Language Disorder may more closely describe the characteristics of an individual.
Please consult these publications for specific criteria and pertinent information.
DSM-5: Autism Spectrum Disorder
DSM-5: Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
DSM-5: Language Disorder
DSM-5: Selective Mutism
DSM-5: Social Anxiety Disorder
DSM-5: General Anxiety Disorder
DSM-5: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
DSM-5: ADHD
DSM-5: Reactive Attachment Disorder
ICD-10
DSM-5: Autism Spectrum Disorder 299.00
Two areas of behavior are usually observed in an individual with this diagnosis. Behaviors may occur in varying degrees and often with unique aspects characteristic of the individual.
Social Communication and Social Interaction:
- This individual may lack social-emotional reciprocity. He or she may have unusual ways to approach others socially and may have great difficulty sustaining conversation. He or she may show less emotion or personal interest. Affect may be diminished. This person may not initiate social interaction with others and may often give no response to social interaction initiated by others.
- Unusual or reduced nonverbal communicative behaviors in social interactions may be observed. What the person is saying may not match the message that person is sending with eye contact, body language, gestures, and facial expressions. These nonverbal behaviors may appear odd or even be totally absent.
- This person may struggle to develop, maintain and understand relationships with others. He or she may be slow to match behavior when the social situation changes. Imaginative play with peers may not develop. This person may not make friends or even show an interest in others of the same age.
Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behavior, Interests, or Activities:
- This person may be observed to rock, flap hands, jump, or repeat other body movements. Toys or other objects may be arranged or moved repeatedly. Words, phrases, sentences, and entire conversations may be repeated when heard or spoken at a later time and place (echolalia). Unusual word combinations may be used in place of typical vocabulary (neologisms).
- Sameness and routine may be very important for this individual. He or she may show great distress when a schedule changes or when an activity must be stopped and a new one started. This person may want to always do a task in a particular order or may want to eat the same foods each day.
- This person may develop interests that are intense and very focused. He or she may choose an unusual object and become very attached and preoccupied with it. The individual may dwell on a particular interest to the extent that it appears unusual.
- Sensitivity to his or her surroundings may be unusual. This person may not tolerate loud noises or distinct smells. Clothing may cause him or her to be uncomfortable. Food colors or textures may be a problem. There may be no reaction to some sensory input (something painful or a change in temperature). This person may show great interest in flashing lights or objects that move in a specific pattern.
Differential Diagnosis:
- Other disorders to consider are Rett Syndrome, Selective Mutism, Language Disorders, Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Stereotypic Movement Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Schizophrenia.
The American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5):
- Please consult this publication for additional information regarding specific criteria for this diagnosis, severity specifications, differential diagnosis, comorbidity, and other pertinent aspects of the disorder.
ICD-10 code: F84.0 Childhood Autism
