Overview
Autism spectrum
disorder (ASD) is the consolidation of autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder,
and pervasive developmental disorder, representing a single continuum of mild
to severe deficits in social communication and restrictive repetitive behaviors
or interests, as stated in the Introduction
section.
The prevalence rate of autism spectrum
disorder (ASD) is ≥1% in children and young individuals. A detailed discussion
about the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder is in the Epidemiology section.
The Pathophysiology section
explains the role of different factors in the development of autism spectrum
disorder, such as genetic and neurobiologic factors, paternal or maternal age,
and environmental and perinatal factors.
Other conditions associated with the
development of autism spectrum disorder are in the Risk Factors section.
Autism Spectrum Disorder_Disease SummaryHistory and Physical Examination
The Clinical
Presentation section
describes the clinical features suggestive of autism spectrum disorder.
The History and Physical
Examination sections discuss the
things to assess in individuals suspected of autism spectrum disorder.
Diagnosis
The Diagnosis
or Diagnostic Criteria section
features the DSM-5-TR criteria for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
The Screening section discusses the developmental screening
tests and tools that can help in the evaluation of individuals with autism
spectrum disorder.
Other conditions that
should be considered in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder are enumerated
in the Differential Diagnosis
section.
Management
Patients should be
assessed for other medical conditions associated with autism spectrum disorders,
and these are enumerated in the Evaluation
section.
General therapy principles and indications for
pharmacological therapy are in the Principles
of Therapy section.
The Pharmacological Therapy section discusses treatment options for individuals with
autism spectrum disorder.
The Nonpharmacological section includes things to educate the parents and
caregivers about the management of autism spectrum disorder. This section also
includes developmental interventions and behavioral management in these
individuals.
