Autism Spectrum Disorder

During a developmental screening at a primary health centre in Delhi, a 2.5-year-old girl is identified with delayed speech, poor social engagement, and repetitive hand-flapping behaviours. Her parents report no significant perinatal complications or family history of neurodevelopmental disorders. Which is the most common neurobiological abnormality associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

According to DSM-5 criteria, autism spectrum disorder is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. At what age must symptoms be present for an ASD diagnosis to be made?

A 6-year-old boy with confirmed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is referred to the child psychiatry clinic by his school. Teachers report that he has become increasingly aggressive toward peers during unstructured play, hits himself when frustrated, and has difficulty transitioning between activities. His parents confirm similar behaviors at home, with episodes lasting 10–15 minutes and occurring 3–4 times daily. He has no seizure history, normal hearing, and no known medical comorbidities. His IQ is estimated at 65 (moderate intellectual disability). Which of the following is the most appropriate first-line pharmacological intervention for his behavioral dyscontrol?

A 3-year-old boy is brought to the child psychiatry clinic by his parents with concerns about delayed speech, poor eye contact, and repetitive hand movements. The child does not respond to his name and shows minimal interest in peer interaction. Which investigation is the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

A 6-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder presents with severe hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty maintaining attention during classroom activities. His parents report that behavioral interventions alone have been insufficient. What is the drug of choice for managing these attentional and hyperactivity symptoms in this child?