ADeficits in intellectual functions (reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgement, academic learning, experiential learning) confirmed by clinical assessment and standardised testing
BPersistent deficits in social communication/interaction across multiple contexts (≥3 components: social-emotional reciprocity; nonverbal communicative behaviours; developing/maintaining relationships)
Additional criteria
AB. Deficits in adaptive functioning in ≥1 of: conceptual, social, or practical domains — resulting in failure to meet developmental/sociocultural standards for personal independence/social responsibility C. Onset of intellectual and adaptive deficits during the developmental period
BB. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour/interests/activities (≥2 of: stereotyped/repetitive motor movements; insistence on sameness/inflexible routines; highly restricted interests; hyper/hyporeactivity to sensory input) C. Symptoms present in early developmental period (may not fully manifest until social demands exceed capacity) D. Cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning
Key features
AA. Deficits in intellectual functions (reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgement, academic learning, experiential learning) confirmed by clinical assessment and standardised testing B. Deficits in adaptive functioning in ≥1 of: conceptual, social, or practical domains — resulting in failure to meet developmental/sociocultural standards for personal independence/social responsibility C. Onset of intellectual and adaptive deficits during the developmental period
BA. Persistent deficits in social communication/interaction across multiple contexts (≥3 components: social-emotional reciprocity; nonverbal communicative behaviours; developing/maintaining relationships) B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour/interests/activities (≥2 of: stereotyped/repetitive motor movements; insistence on sameness/inflexible routines; highly restricted interests; hyper/hyporeactivity to sensory input) C. Symptoms present in early developmental period (may not fully manifest until social demands exceed capacity)
Common specifiers
AMild; Moderate; Severe; Profound
BWith/without accompanying intellectual impairment; With/without accompanying language impairment; Associated with a known medical or genetic condition; Associated with another neurodevelopmental, mental, or behavioural disorder
Differential flags
AASD (social deficits; RRBs; may coexist - code both when criteria independently met); Specific learning disorder (domain-specific; overall intellectual function preserved); Communication disorder (language-specific; not global intellectual impairment)
BADHD (comorbid in ~50%; social deficits not as pervasive; no RRBs - code both when criteria independently met); Social anxiety disorder (fear of negative evaluation; social motivation and desire intact); Social (pragmatic) communication disorder (social deficits without RRBs - mutually exclusive with ASD)