Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is lifelong and is described as a spectrum due to the varied nature of how it impacts people lives.
Autism affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people, and how they experience the world around them.
Diagnostic Criteria
International Classification of Diseases version 10 (ICD-10).
The ICD-10 is the most commonly-used diagnostic manual in the UK.
It presents a number of possible autism profiles, such as childhood autism, atypical autism and Asperger syndrome. These profiles are included under the Pervasive Developmental Disorders heading, defined as “A group of disorders characterized by qualitative abnormalities in reciprocal social interactions and in patterns of communication, and by a restricted, stereotyped, repetitive repertoire of interests and activities. These qualitative abnormalities are a pervasive feature of the individual’s functioning in all situations”.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)
The manual defines autism spectrum disorder as “persistent difficulties with social communication and social interaction” and “restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviours, activities or interests” (this includes sensory behaviour), present since early childhood, to the extent that these “limit and impair everyday functioning”.
In DSM-5, the terms ‘autistic disorder’, ‘Asperger disorder’, ‘childhood disintegrative disorder’ and ‘Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)’ have been replaced by the collective term ‘autism spectrum disorder’. This means that it’s likely that ‘autism spectrum disorder’ (ASD) will become the most commonly given diagnosis.
Advice and Guidance
If you have Autism, think you may have Autism or care for someone with Autism and would like more advice about the condition and how to manage some of the areas of life you find challenging follow the links to the National Autistic society and Scottish Autism (based in Alloa). Local carers centres can also offer support and advice.
