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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: Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder 315.39
Individuals with this diagnosis usually display behaviors in four areas. Behaviors may occur in varying degrees and often with unique aspects characteristic of the individual.
Social Use of Verbal/Nonverbal Communication:
- This individual may have difficulty communicating socially in a specific social context. Greetings may be absent or unusual. Information may be shared in a variety of unsual ways that detract from or derail the message.
- These persons may struggle to adjust the manner in which a message is delivered to fit their communication partners. They may talk to a child as if they are talking to an adult. They may also fail to match their communication to the location in which it is delivered. They may speak the same way in a classroom as they might at home. Despite the context, they may be inclined to use an overly formal style and vocabulary.
- Conversation for these individuals may pose a number of challenges. They may not adhere to the rules that govern verbal interactions. Accordingly, they may not be adept at turn taking or repairing a breakdown due to misunderstanding. Also, they may find the typical verbal and nonverbal signals that are used to manage conversation difficult to apply effectively.
- In typical exchanges of information, much is implied rather than stated simply or literally. This individual may have difficulty making inferences and understanding the idioms, metaphors and multiple meanings in the more complex language that is used. Understanding and appreciation of humor may be especially slow to develop and may remain very unsophisticated.
Differential Diagnosis:
- Other disorders to consider are Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Intellectual Disability.
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:
F80.89 Other developmental disorders of speech and language (DSM-5 recommendation)
F80.2 Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder (ASHA recommendation)
