Story
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: Reactive Attachment Disorder 313.89
These behaviors are usually observed in an individual with this diagnosis. Behaviors may occur in varying degrees and often with unique aspects characteristic of the individual.
Inhibited, Emotionally Withdrawn Toward Adult Caregiver:
- This child may very infrequently look to an adult caregiver for comfort when upset.
- This child may very infrequently respond to an adult caregiver's attention when upset.
Social/Emotional Disturbance:
- This child may not respond to others socially or emotionally.
- This child may show very little positive affect.
- This child may become irritable, sad or fearful without reason during positive interactions with an adult caregiver.
Extreme Insufficient Care:
- This child may have been socially neglected. Caregivers may have failed to provide essential comfort, stimulation and affection on a consistent basis.
- This child may been unable to form an attachment to an adult due to frequent caregiver changes.
- This child may have spent his or her early years in settings where there are few chances to form an attachment with a caregiver.
Differential Diagnosis:
- Other disorders to consider are Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, and Depressive Disorders.
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: F94.1 Reactive attachment disorder of childhood
