Consideraciones actuales sobre el trastorno del espectro autista

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability. ASD is characterized by deficits in social cognition and highly circumscribed interests and a strong desire for routines. It affects how a person communicates with and the interaction with other people. Autism´s most obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. An early diagnosis helps autistic people to access services. With the right sort of support, all can be helped to live a more fulfilling life. The definition of the boundaries of ASD as opposed to other related pervasive developmental disorders is widely debated among clinicians and research investigators. The diagnosis of autism was based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders Fourth Edition, Text Revision (SDM-IV-TR). The DSM-5 contains revised diagnostic criteria for ASD from the DSM-IV-TR. Changes in autism diagnosis criteria found in DSM-5 may affect ASD diagnostic processes. We discuss the potential impacts of new criteria on ASD.