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Asperger's
Disorder Symptoms and DSM-IV Diagnosis
Asperger's
Disorder Symptoms and Diagnosis Overview:
 Asperger's Disorder
symptoms and diagnostic criteria follow below. While some of these Asperger's Disorder symptoms may be recognized by family, teachers, legal and medical
professionals, and others, only properly trained mental health
professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, professional counselors etc.) can
or should even attempt to make a mental health diagnosis. Many additional
factors are considered in addition to the Asperger's Disorder symptoms in making
proper diagnosis, including frequently medical and psychological testing
considerations. This information on Asperger's Disintegrative Disorder symptoms and diagnostic
criteria are for information purposes only and should never replace the judgment and comprehensive assessment of a trained mental health clinician.
Diagnostic criteria for 299.80 Asperger's Disorder
A.
Qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least
two of the following:
(1)
marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such
as
eve-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures
to regulate social
interaction
(2)
failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental
level
(3)
a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or
achievements with other people (e.g.. by a lack of showing,
bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
(4)
lack of social or emotional reciprocity
B. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests,
and activities, as
manifested by at least one of the following:
(1)
encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and
restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or
focus
(2)
apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines
or
rituals
(3)
stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger
flapping or twisting, or
complex whole-body movements)
(4)
persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
C. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational,
or other important areas of functioning.
D.
There is no clinically significant
general delay in language (e.g., single
words used by age 2 years, communicative
phrases used by age 3 years).
E.
There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in
the development of age-appropriate self help
skills, adaptive behavior (other
than in social interaction), and curiosity about the environment in
childhood.
F.
Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental
Disorder or Schizophrenia.
Also, See: Other Disorders Usually First Diagnosed in
Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence
Other Mental Health
Diagnostic Symptoms and Criteria
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