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Autism Case Study Assignment
DSM Application: (8 points): List the DSM criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Next
to each criterion, detail the specific symptoms that match Daniel’s symptoms. The DSM
application should be thoughtful, thorough, and detailed. If no symptoms match a particular
criterion, write N/A next to that criterion.
The symptoms of Autism according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Model of Mental
Disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2022) are as follows:
Diagnostic Criteria for 299.00 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
To meet diagnostic criteria for ASD according to DSM-5, a child must have persistent
deficits in each of three areas of social communication and interaction (see A.1. through A.3.
below) plus at least two of four types of restricted, repetitive behaviors (see B.1. through B.4.
below).
A). Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple
contexts, as manifested by all of the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative,
not exhaustive; see text):
1. Having deficits in social-emotional reciprocity ranging from abnormal social approach
and failure of normal back-and-forth conversation; to reduced sharing of interests,
emotions, or affect; to failure to initiate or respond to social interactions. N/A
2. Deficits in nonverbal communication behaviors used for social interaction such as
poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication; abnormalities in eye contact and
body language or deficits in understanding and use of gestures; to a total lack of facial
expressions and nonverbal communication. Daniel appeared to be quite uncomfortable in
the room and made an effort to not make eye contact but yet could give a nonverbal
response. He also was moving and playing with his hands a lot.
3. Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships, such as
difficulties adjusting behavior to suit various social contexts; difficulties in sharing
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imaginative play or making friends; and absence of interest in peers. It appeared that
Daniel both lacks and struggles with social awareness. The moment he gets mad, he
throws a complete fit or becomes quite aggressive when angry.
B). Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as manifested by at
least two of the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive; see
text):
1. Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech (e.g., simple
motor stereotypies, lining up toys or flipping objects, echolalia, idiosyncratic phrases).
