Discussion : Childhood Disorders: Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorders are among the most pervasive mental disorders of childhood. Children and adolescents diagnosed with the autism spectrum disorders possess impairments in social communication and interaction, as well as, restricted and/or repetitive patterns of behavior, interest, or activities.

As a future professional in the field, you might seek a variety of resources to ensure that the child or adolescent, as a member of a vulnerable population, receives the most appropriate level of care for assessment and diagnosis.

For this Discussion, consider the criteria for a diagnosis of an Autism spectrum disorder within children and adolescents. Also, think about how symptoms of other childhood disorders might complicate a diagnosis of an Autism spectrum disorder.
With these thoughts in mind:

An explanation of the various criteria for a diagnosis of an Autism spectrum disorder. Then, explain how the symptoms of other childhood disorders might complicate a diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder. Provide an example.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources and current literature.

· American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders(5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

o Neurodevelopmental and Neurocognitive Disorders

o Disruptive, Impulse-Control

o Conduct Disorders

o Elimination Disorders

Paris, J. (2015). The intelligent clinician's guide to the DSM-5 (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press..