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Diagnosis is a requirement in many instances to obtain medications and services. Professionals diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder based on criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The diagnosis is then translated into the required International Statistical Classification of Diseases and
Related Health Problems, tenth revision (ICD-10) code. This code is needed for reimbursement and reporting.
There are significant changes in the structure and labels within the DSM-5. It appears that the newly defined Autism Spectrum Disorder is much more narrow and specific. For some individuals a diagnosis of Language Disorder or Social (Pragmatic) Language Disorder may more closely describe the characteristics of an individual.
Please consult these publications for specific criteria and pertinent information.
DSM-5: Autism Spectrum Disorder
DSM-5: Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
DSM-5: Language Disorder
DSM-5: Selective Mutism
DSM-5: Social Anxiety Disorder
DSM-5: General Anxiety Disorder
DSM-5: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
DSM-5: ADHD
DSM-5: Reactive Attachment Disorder
ICD-10
DSM-5: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 314.01
Two areas of behavior are usually observed in an individual with this diagnosis. Behaviors may occur in varying degrees and often with unique aspects characteristic of the individual.
Attention:
- This individual may miss details that lead to careless errors at school or work.
- This individual may have trouble maintaining focus during work activities and play or entertainment. This person may struggle listening to presentations, reading for long periods, or participating in conversations.
- This person may struggle to listen when spoken to even when there are no noticeable distractions.
- This person may often start a task or activity but then have difficulty completing it. Directions given at home, school, and on the job are often begun but may go unfinished. Focus may be lost and this person may become sidetracked from the task at hand.
- This individual may struggle with task organization. Planning the sequence of work and the timing may be difficult. This person may messy and lose track of materials.
- This individual may shy away from activities that involve maintaining mental effort. This person may put off work at school or on the job like homework, reports, forms, and long papers.
- This person may often lose important personal items or materials needed to complete a job.
- This person may be quick to shift attention unrelated events or thoughts.
- This person may often forget to attend to important daily activities.
Hyperactivity:
- This individual may tap or move hands or feet. He or she may move frequently while sitting.
- This individual may struggle to remain seated as expected.
- This person may be inclined to run around or climb in situations where it is inappropriate.
- This person may struggle to play quietly This person may have difficulty being quiet during leisure activities.
- This individual may appear to others to be very active. This person may be uncomfortable remaining still.
- This individual may talk continuously.
- This person may often have difficulty waiting his or her turn in conversation. This person may often finish other people's sentences and answer a question before they have finished asking it.
- This person may have trouble waiting for a turn or waiting in line.
- This person may often interrupt others conversations. This person may break into or take over others games or activities.
Differential Diagnosis:
- Other disorders to consider are Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, other neurodevelopmental disorders, Specific Learning Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Substance Use Disorders, Personality Disorders, Psychotic Dysorders, and Neurocognitive Disorders.
The American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5):
- Please consult this publication for additional information regarding specific criteria for this diagnosis, severity specifications, differential diagnosis, comorbidity, and other pertinent aspects of the disorder.
ICD-10 code: F90.2 Disturbance of activity and attention
