Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is diagnosed based on two main areas of symptoms, which we’ll call “Domain A” and “Domain B”.

Domain A: Social Communication and Interaction

This domain focuses on how a person communicates and interacts with others. To be diagnosed with ASD, a person must show all three of these symptoms:

Social-emotional reciprocity: This could mean they struggle with back-and-forth conversation, sharing emotions, or responding to social interactions. For example, they might not understand how to take turns in a conversation, or they might not show interest in what others are saying.

Nonverbal communication: This refers to things like eye contact, body language, and facial expressions. A person with ASD might have trouble understanding these cues, or they might not use them in the way you’d expect.

Relationships: People with ASD often find it hard to make friends, share imaginative play, or adjust their behavior to different social situations. They might not show interest in making friends or understanding others’ feelings.

Domain B: Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests

This domain looks at a person’s interfering behaviors and interests. To be diagnosed with ASD, a person must show at least two of these symptoms:

Repetitive behaviors: This could be things like repeating certain movements, lining up toys in a specific way, or repeating phrases over and over.

Routine and sameness: People with ASD often need to follow the same routine every day. They might get very upset if there are small changes to their routine or if they have to transition from one activity to another.

Restricted interests: People with ASD might become very focused on a specific topic or object, to the point where it seems intense or unusual. For example, they might know everything about a certain kind of car or always want to talk about the same subject.

Sensory reactions: People with ASD might react differently to sensory input, like sounds, textures, or lights. They might be fascinated by certain visual patterns, or they might not react to pain or temperature in the way you’d expect.

Remember, every person with ASD is unique and might not show all of these symptoms. If you think your child might have ASD, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional who can provide guidance and support, (source: American Academy of Pediatrics, Volume 145, issue 1).