According to DSM-5, which of the following is NOT a core diagnostic domain for autism spectrum disorder?

Explanation

## DSM-5 Core Diagnostic Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder **Key Point:** DSM-5 defines autism spectrum disorder by TWO core domains: (1) persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and (2) restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Intellectual disability is NOT a core diagnostic criterion — it may co-occur but is not required for diagnosis. ### The Two Essential Domains | Domain | Features | |--------|----------| | **Social Communication & Interaction** | Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communicative behaviors, relationship development and maintenance | | **Restricted, Repetitive Patterns** | Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects or speech; insistence on sameness; restricted interests; hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input | ### Why Intellectual Disability Is NOT a Core Criterion **High-Yield:** Autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability are distinct conditions. A person can have: - Autism WITHOUT intellectual disability (often called "high-functioning" autism or Asperger syndrome in older terminology) - Intellectual disability WITHOUT autism - Both conditions co-occurring (comorbidity) **Clinical Pearl:** The DSM-5 allows clinicians to specify whether intellectual disability is present as a specifier, but it is NOT required for an autism diagnosis. Many individuals with autism have average or above-average intelligence. ### Why the Other Options ARE Core Criteria 1. **Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction** — This is Criterion A (required). 2. **Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities** — This is Criterion B (required). 3. **Symptoms present from early childhood** — This is Criterion C (required); symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (by 18 months at the latest). **Mnemonic:** **A-B-C of Autism** — **A**= social communication deficits, **B**= behavioral/interest restrictions, **C**= present in early childhood. Intellectual disability is a **specifier**, not a core criterion. [cite:DSM-5]