Difficulties in Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder as Experienced by Parents and Families

Abstract

Introduction Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a complex disorder that is characterized by social deficits and restrictive or repetitive patterns of behavior that are present in childhood and impair daily functioning. This is expressed differently in each individual and can vary widely from one person to the next. Some of the common traits associated with ASD include a lessened or heightened response to sensory input, strict adherence to routines, fixation on objects, delayed speech, difficulty forming and/or maintaining relationships, repetitive speech or behaviors, lack of eye contact in conversations, and a difficulty recognizing emotions. In order for a diagnosis of ASD to be made, many of these symptoms must be present in a child prior to the age of eight and must cause impairment in daily life. It is also necessary that these symptoms are observed across multiple contexts, often including different settings, like home and school (Carpenter 2013). (From Introduction)