Table 1.

DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for autistic disorder7

Six or more of the following, meeting at least two criteria under social interactions and one under communication:

Social interactions

Marked impairment of nonverbal behaviors (eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures)

Failure to develop appropriate peer relationships

Lack of spontaneous seeking of connectedness (sharing enjoyments, interests, or achievements with others)

Lack of social or emotional reciprocity

Communication

Delay or lack of development of speech, without attempts at alternate methods of communication (eg, gesture, mime)

Inability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others (when speech is adequate)

Stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language

Lack of appropriate varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imaginative play

Behavior

Restricted or repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities:

Preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal in intensity or focus

Inflexible adherence to specific/nonfunctional routines

Stereotyped and repetitive mannerisms (hand flapping/twisting, whole body movements)

Persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following, with onset before age three years:

Social interaction

Language for social communication

Symbolic or imaginative play

Impairments are not due to either Rett syndrome or childhood disintegrative disorder

Abbreviation: DSM-IV-TR, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision.