Diagnostic Criteria from DSM-IV-TR (2000)
American Psychiatric Association, Washington, D.C.
http://www.psych.org (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
Asperger’s Disorder
A. Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
(1) marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
(2) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
(3) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
(4) Lack of social or emotional reciprocity
B. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:
(1) encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereo-typed and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
(2) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
(3) stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
(4) persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
C. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
D. There is no clinically significant general delay in language (e.g., single words used by age 2 years, communicative phrase used by age 3 years)
E. There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, adaptive behavior (other than in social interaction), and curiosity about the environment in childhood
F. Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Schizophrenia
While there is no cure for Asperger’s, experts agree that the earlier a child is properly diagnosed and receives individualized assistance, the better the chance that he can lead a quality life Parade Magazine, February 2, 2003; pp. 4-5
People with Asperger’s Syndrome may have unusual qualities to their language skills that superficially resemble the speech and thought disorder associated with schizophrenia…this can be confusing to the clinician who is not aware of this aspect of Asperger’s Syndrome Attwood, T. (1998). Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, p. 149.
19 Feb 2016, 8:20 pm
