Diagnosis
Key diagnostic features of ASD include:
-Deficits in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts and restricted,
-Repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

AAP recommends screening with MCHAT at 18 to 24 months of age.

Kids with autism often have an abnormal sensitivity to sound – become upset by normal noises.

Background
The DSM-5 came up with the term autism spectrum disorder to cover 4 previously separate disorders: autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Any patient with one of these disorders is now diagnosed as having ASD.

Further Reading / References
DSM-V. American Psychiatric Association, 2013, pp 50-51
Am Fam Physician 2016;94(12):972-979
Am Fam Physician 2010;81(4):453-460

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