Thread by @wizardsofautism

a thread on how to tell if you’re Autistic

Criteria A: show persistent differences in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts (must meet all 3)

1. in social emotional reciprocity

2. in nonverbal behaviour used for socializing

3. in developing, maintaining, understanding relationships

Criteria A, Sub 1: differences in social emotional reciprocity include

- tendency to have monotone voice

- difficulty initiating conversation (outside of interests)

- difficulty with small talk, uses scripting

- difficulty with back and forth conversations

Criteria A, Sub 2: differences in nonverbal behaviour used for socializing

- difficulty intuitively understanding nonverbal cues

- communicates minimally through expressions

- difficulty moderating tone/volume of voice

- verbal/nonverbal presentation fragmented

Criteria A, Sub 3: differences in developing, maintaining and understanding relationships

- hard to initiate making friends

- hard to maintain/keep up with friends

- difficulty with shared imaginative play/conversations

- difficulty with context/conversation shifting

Criteria B: restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour or interests (need 2/4 sub categories for diagnosis)

1. highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus

2. hyper or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects

Criteria B: restricted, repetitive patterns or behaviours or interests (need 2/4 sub categories for diagnosis)

3. stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects or speech

4. insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines or ritualized patterns of behaviour

Criteria C-E: must be present for diagnosis

C: traits must be present in developmental period (may not manifest until social demands exceed capabilities)

D: traits cause significant impairment in important areas of functioning

E: not better explained by another diagnosis