Conceptualizing Autism Spectrum Disorder and Core Criteria Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) represents a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts, combined with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. The impact of ASD symptoms is inherently variable, reflecting the term "spectrum," which encompasses a vast heterogeneity […]
Introduction and Definition of Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) represents a complex, lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. The term spectrum is crucial, reflecting the wide variation in symptom severity, presentation, and functional impact across affected individuals. ASD […]
Introduction and Conceptual Framework Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) represents a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. The conceptual understanding of autistic symptoms has evolved significantly, moving from earlier, more rigid categorical classifications, such as those found in the DSM-IV (which […]
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, combined with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. According to the diagnostic criteria established in the DSM-5, the diagnosis requires the manifestation of symptoms from […]
Introduction to Autistic Traits and the Spectrum Autistic traits represent a dimensional conceptualization of characteristics historically associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Rather than viewing autism as a strictly categorical diagnosis—meaning an individual either has it or does not—the dimensional model posits that these specific cognitive, behavioral, and sensory features exist along a continuum within […]