Autism Criteria

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA FOR AUTISM

Source: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, [DSM-IV] (1994).

For a diagnosis of autism, the individual must meet a minimum of 6 criteria, including two from 1-4, one from 5- 8, and one from 9-12:

Must meet two or more of the following:

1. Marked impairment in the use of 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 others

4. A lack of social or emotional reciprocity

Must meet one or more of the following:

5. Delay or lack of development of spoken language (without attempts to communicate by gesture)

6. Inability to initiate and sustain conversation (in verbal individuals)

7. Stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language

8. Lack of varied, spontaneous, make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level

Must meet one or more of the following:

9. Encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus

10. Apparently inflexible adherence to specific, non-functional routines or rituals

11. Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms

12. Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

Differential diagnoses:

Children with other types of disorders will meet some of the above criteria. These disorders include vestibular and auditory processing disorders, pragmatic language disorder, genetic errors, metabolic disorders, traumatic brain injuries and neuropathies or encephalopathies. A diagnosis of PDD can be given to children who meet 5 criteria. Individuals that have developed typical language but who meet 5 or 6 criteria will be given a diagnosis of Asperger's.

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