| خلاصه مقاله | Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the name for a group of neurodevelopmental disorders
present in early childhood and according to the DSM 5 criteria characterized by two features:
(1) Impairment in social communication and interaction (Deficits in social/emotional
reciprocity, nonverbal communication & maintaining relationships) and (2)
Repetitive/restricted patterns of behavior, interest, and activities (Stereotyped motor/verbal
behavior, restricted interests, excessive adherence to routines and unusual sensory behavior)
Severity rating include three levels (Level 1: Requiring support, Level 2: Requiring substantial
support & Level 3: Requiring very substantial support)
There are Behaviors/symptoms not captured in DSM‐5 diagnostic criteria of ASD (Problems
with play/imagination, impairments in imaginative/symbolic play, lack of functional play skills,
difficulty distinguishing fantasy from reality, shyness/social anxiety, milestones and
developmental delays, language disorder, behavioral difficulties/temper tantrums and poor
imitation skills)
Comorbid conditions are common in ASD, particularly intellectual disability, learning
disorders, seizures and non-focal neurologic findings.
Behavioral and developmental features that suggest ASD include: developmental regression,
absence of protodeclarative pointing, abnormal reactions to environmental stimuli, abnormal
social interactions, absence of symbolic play and repetitive/stereotyped behavior.
The last point is that some clinical important issues that need to be considered during the
physical examination of ASD include the following: pretend play, gaze monitoring, protodeclarative pointing, body movements, head & hand features, self-injurious behaviors,
physical/sexual abuse |