Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term introduced by Lorna Wing in 1996 (Wing, 1996) to encompass different subgroups within the autistic spectrum including autism and Asperger syndrome. A diagnosis is made on a continuum of mild to severe autism symptoms.

DSM -5 Social Communication

• Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity
• Deficits in non verbal communicative behaviours
• Deficits in developing and maintaining relationships

Restricted Repetitve Patterns of Behaviour, Interests or Activities

• Steroptyed or repetitive speech, movement or objects
• Excessive adherence to routines , ritualised verbal and non verbal behaviours
• Highly restricted and fixated interests
• Hyper or hypo reactivity to sensory aspects of the environment