Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

According to an expert overview, autism is a developmental difference that lasts throughout life. ^[1] It shows itself mainly in two areas: in social communication and interaction, and in repetitive, inflexible behaviours, interests or activities. ^[2] Some people also experience stimuli such as sounds, light or touch differently; in the DSM-5 criteria this is one of several possible features. ^[3]

How autism shows itself differs greatly from person to person. ^[2] In the medical classifications the diagnosis is called “autism spectrum disorder”. ^[1]

Context: “Disorder” is the term used in the classifications. In its own texts, Autismus Wissen writes “people with autism” or “people on the autism spectrum”. In the community there are different language preferences.

Sources and literature

1. Höhne E, Kamp-Becker I: Diagnostik der Autismus-Spektrum-Störung bei Kindern und Erwachsenen. Psychiatrie + Neurologie 2024;(1):14 ff. (Rosenfluh). https://www.rosenfluh.ch/media/psychiatrie-neurologie/2024/01/Diagnostik-der-Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerung-bei-Kindern-und-Erwachsenen.pdf
2. World Health Organization: ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics, Code 6A02 „Autism spectrum disorder“, Version 2025-01 (Definition und Unterkategorien 6A02.0–6A02.Z).
3. Höhne E, Kamp-Becker I (Klinik für KJP, Universitätsklinikum Marburg): Diagnostik der Autismus-Spektrum-Störung. Pädiatrie (Rosenfluh) 2024;(4+5):27–32. https://rosenfluh.ch/media/paediatrie/2024/04-05/Diagnostik-der-Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerung.pdf