Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be a lifelong developmental disability. However this condition is proven to improve if given the right intervention. Evidence has been pointing to ABA as the form of therapy that create the most amount of improvement to person with ASD. Click here to find out more about ABA.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals all around the world. Although the fifth version of DSM (DSM V) has been published and changes has been made to the diagnostic criteria of Autism, Singapore is still using DSM IV at the time of my writing.
According to DSM IV, A person with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) displays 3 main pillars of deficits
1. Impairment in social interaction
2. Impairment in communication
3. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patters of behavior, interests and activities
A list to the full diagnostic criteria for ASD can be found by clicking on the following link
http://www.autreat.com/dsm4-autism.html
6 early signs of ASD
- Poor eye contact
- Does not follow gesture when pointed out
- No reciprocal smiling
- Does not respond to name
- Poor imitation skills
- Does not play with others or share interest
Click here to check out the ABA Journal Article.
AutismSTEP