Mental Health

Autism spectrum disorder

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference involving persistent social-communication and interaction differences together with restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities, present from the early developmental period and associated with support needs or functional impact.

Definition

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent differences in social communication and social interaction together with restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. Features are present from the early developmental period, may be masked until demands increase, and are associated with support needs or functional impact. Autism is diagnosed clinically and includes a wide range of communication, intellectual, sensory and adaptive profiles.

First principles

A developmental dyad, interpreted in context

Autism involves persistent differences in social communication and social interaction plus restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities. Both domains are required for a diagnosis, but the way they appear varies with age, language, intellectual ability, culture, context, masking and support. Screening or rating tools can inform referral but cannot diagnose or rule out autism.

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