Diagnosing ASD

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Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Article  in  Pediatric Annals · October 2011


DOI: 10.3928/00904481-20110914-05 · Source: PubMed

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Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders


CM E EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
Karen Toth, PhD; and Gary Stobbe, MD
1. Know the evolving behavioral
definition of autism spectrum
classification for autism was not intro- For a diagnosis of autistic disorder ac-
disorder (ASD).
duced until 1994.2 cording to DSM-IV, there must be at least
2. Provide diagnostic criteria for
ASDs affect more males than fe- six total symptoms with impairments
autism spectrum disorders high-
lighting clinical presentation and males, with an average male-to-female in all these domains: at least two social
course, comorbid disorders, and ratio of 4.3:1. For children who have symptoms; one communication symp-
behaviors common to ASD. both autism and intellectual disability tom; and one symptom of repetitive, ste-
3. Determine an evidence-based the male-to-female ratio is closer to reotyped interests and behaviors. Symp-
approach to assessment, including 2:1, and the ratio without intellectual toms must be present by age 3 and not
tools that are ideal for use in the
primary care setting. disability is closer to 5.5:1.2 better accounted for by either Rett disor-
Autism is a highly heritable disorder der or childhood disintegrative disorder.
Both authors are affiliated with Uni- with a complex inheritance pattern. A
versity of Washington and Seattle Chil- polygenic, multifactorial inheritance Asperger’s Disorder
dren’s Hospital, Seattle, WA. Karen Toth, model is the current best fit for under- The primary diagnostic distinction
PhD, is Assistant Professor, Department standing the genetics of non-syndromic between Asperger’s disorder and autistic
of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. forms of autism (ie, most cases). disorder is the absence of early language
Gary Stobbe, MD, is Clinical Assistant Besides mapping a large number of delays (ie, single words by age 2, phrases
Professor, Departments of Neurology risk alleles, researchers are also inves- by age 3) and no clinically significant de-
and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. tigating new mutations and epigenetic lays in cognitive or adaptive functioning.
Address correspondence to: Karen mechanisms (genetic imprinting or epi- Language anomalies, including deficits in
Toth, PhD, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, mutations that trigger the underlying pragmatic language and use of stereotyped
Seattle, WA 98105; email: karen.toth@ susceptibility).3 language, are not regarded as delays in this
seattlechildrens.org. Other risk factors and markers be- context. There must be at least two or more
Drs. Toth and Stobbe have disclosed ing researched include infection and social symptoms and at least one symptom
no relevant financial relationships. immune dysfunction; neuropeptides, in restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped in-
doi: 10.3928/00904481-20110914-05 such as oxytocin and vasopressin; en- terests and behaviors for the diagnosis of
docrine and obstetric factors; and expo- Asperger’s disorder. However, if a child
sure to drugs, metals, and other toxins.2 meets the criteria but exhibits six or more

T
he Centers for Disease Con- Numerous independent investigations symptoms across all three domains of
trol and Prevention estimates have failed to confirm an association functioning, the more appropriate diagno-
that one in 110 children in the between the measles, mumps, and ru- sis is autistic disorder. In fact, there is little
United States has autism spectrum bella (MMR) vaccine specifically, or empirical support for a diagnostic distinc-
disorder.1 During the past decade, the thimerosal exposure to environmental tion between higher functioning individu-
prevalence of autism has increased by mercury, and autism. als with autistic disorder and those with
almost 300%.1 Asperger’s disorder in clinical presenta-
This appears to be caused largely DSM-IV DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA tion or outcome.4 DSM-5 is planning to
by the loosening criteria for autism eliminate Asperger’s disorder as a distinct
spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Di- Autistic Disorder diagnostic category.
agnostic and Statistical Manual of Autistic disorder is characterized by
Mental Disorder (DSM), third edition impairments across three domains of Pervasive Developmental Disorder-
(DSM-III) to fourth edition (DSM-IV), functioning: reciprocal social interaction; Not Otherwise Specified
and increased public awareness; for communication; and restricted, repetitive, This diagnostic category of Perva-
example, the US special education and stereotyped interests and behaviors. sive Developmental Disorder-Not Oth-

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sidered when evaluating children for


an ASD, will now be specified in the
diagnostic criteria, per proposed DSM-
5 changes. New specifiers and modifiers
are also being proposed, such as “ASD
with intellectual disability.”

Diagnostic Stability
When children are diagnosed by ex-
pert clinicians between the ages of 2
years to 9 years, the diagnosis of autistic
disorder was reliable and stable.7 Some
children diagnosed with PDD-NOS by
experts at age 2 years moved to a diag-
nosis of autistic disorder by age 9 years,
indicating that the diagnosis of PDD-
NOS is less stable over time than autistic
disorder. Still other studies have shown
that instead of moving to autistic disor-
der, some children with early diagnoses
of PDD-NOS move off the spectrum en-
tirely at follow-up.8

CLINICAL PRESENTATIONS

Social Impairments
Primary deficits in social attention
and social reciprocity characterize all
three categories of ASD. Impairments in
looking at others and orienting to name
have been shown to distinguish infants
with autism from those with typical
and delayed development as early as
© iStockphoto.com

8 months of age.9 Joint attention (eg,


pointing to show something to another,
following another’s eye gaze, or pointing
erwise Specified (PDD-NOS) is used PROPOSED DSM-5 CHANGES to an object), which develops typically
more often than the other ASD diagno- Changes proposed for DSM-5 include between 9 and 12 months of age and is
ses,5 but is the most poorly defined. It combining autistic disorder, Asperger’s dis- important for language development, is
is reserved for individuals who demon- order, and PDD-NOS into a single category impaired in children with autism. Other
strate clinically significant symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.6 Another diag- early impairments occur in motor imita-
across at least two domains of function- nostic category — social communication tion, social imitative play (eg, peek-a-
ing but do not meet criteria for either au- disorder (SCD) — will be used to describe boo), visual tracking and disengagement
tistic disorder or Asperger’s disorder. A pragmatic communication disorders once of visual attention, among others.10
recent comparison of individuals based ASD has been ruled out.
on autism symptomatology showed that Additionally, the three symptom do- Communication Impairments
those with PDD-NOS exhibit a distinct mains in DSM-IV will merge into two: 1) Language and communication skills
pattern of symptoms in social reciproc- social communication; and 2) restricted development in individuals with autism is
ity and communication, but not repeti- interests and repetitive behaviors. Sen- often delayed and/or atypical. As many as
tive and stereotyped behaviors.5 sory symptomatology, currently con- 40% of individuals never acquire spoken

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language,11 while others exhibit unusual of previously acquired skills (still reported diagnosis.13 Much research remains to
prosody of speech (eg, too loud, too quiet, in roughly 20% to 30% of cases).12 Newer be done regarding adult outcomes, in-
odd intonation or stress, too fast or too slow); research suggests a number of patterns of cluding on how intensive early behav-
echolalia (ie, repeating words and phrases emergence, including cases that involve ioral intervention affects outcomes.
either immediately after hearing them or early symptoms and later regression, as
after a delay; includes repeating phrases well as cases of developmental plateau, PSYCHIATRIC COMORBIDITIES
from movies), pronoun reversal (eg, say- and failure to progress.13
ing “you want” instead of “I want”), and The earliest emerging symptoms of au- Intellectual Disability
pragmatic communication impairments, tism (ie, evident by 8 to 12 months) include A decade ago, two-thirds of chil-
most often noticeable in open-ended con- failure to respond when called by name dren with autism also had intellectual
versation (eg, difficulties with staying on (lack of social orienting, not orienting to disability (mental retardation). Cur-
topic, responding to nonverbal cues, and faces), joint attention impairments (not rent estimates place that number at
reciprocity). Symbolic play, which is also showing or pointing out objects to others), 40% to 55%,2 because of increased
related to language and communication and fewer vocalizations, among others. awareness, expansion of the diagnos-
abilities, is often absent, delayed, or repeti- Parents do not always notice these early tic criteria, and a greater number of
tive in children with autism. symptoms, particularly for firstborn babies, individuals identified with more sub-
but they can be assessed quickly and easily tle but still impairing symptoms.
Restricted, Repetitive, Stereotyped within the context of a medical visit.
Behaviors and Interests Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Symptoms in this domain are quite of- Outcome Disorder
ten absent or go unnoticed in very young Outcomes for individuals with autism Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Dis-
children with autism (ie, age 2 years and have been measured in many different order (ADHD) is highly comorbid with
younger), but may emerge later. There- ways, using variables such as cognitive autism; as many as 55% of children with
fore, the absence of these symptoms early ability, vocation, relationships, adaptive autism can also meet diagnostic criteria
on does not preclude an ASD diagnosis. functioning, and the ability to live inde- for ADHD.17
Common behaviors in this category in- pendently. The two best predictors of
clude motor stereotypies (ie, repetitive positive outcomes for youth with autism Anxiety Disorders
movements or utterances), both with the are IQ above 50 and spoken language by Symptoms of anxiety are common in
hands and the whole body (eg, repeti- age 5 years.14 Clearly, short-term out- children with autism at all levels of func-
tive hand flapping, finger flicking, spin- comes improve with earlier diagnosis tioning and are often related to sudden
ning, pacing); repetitive use of objects or and treatment15 However, more than half changes in routine and a lack of predict-
preoccupation with parts of objects (eg, of all individuals with ASD have poor ability in daily living. Overall, an anxiety
opening and closing the door on a toy ve- long-term outcomes, based on occupa- diagnosis has been found in 42% to 55%
hicle, lining up objects, turning a car over tion, friendships, and adaptive living of youth with autism, which most com-
and focusing on spinning the wheels); skills. Adaptive functioning often is im- monly includes simple phobias, separa-
unusual interests (eg, interest in washing paired, even in children and adolescents tion anxiety, and generalized anxiety.18
machines) and/or all-consuming inter- with higher IQs. Adaptive skills, howev-
ests (eg, a young child who has books on er, are not generally a focus of treatment Mood Disorders
trains, videos on trains, toy trains, talks for these higher-functioning children. Individuals who are higher-function-
only about trains, etc.); and compulsive, Little is known regarding the out- ing are particularly prone to developing
rigid, ritualistic behaviors (eg, wanting come of adults with ASD. Most studies symptoms of depression, which can in-
things to be in a certain order, needing to have focused on functional outcomes clude irritability, aggressive behaviors,
drive the same route every day, insisting and quality of life and have demon- and isolation. Roughly 10% to 24% of
on sameness, etc). strated persistent difficulties in multiple youth with ASD meet criteria for major
domains even among “higher-function- depression.17
Onset and Course ing” ASD individuals (ie, those with IQs
Historically, autism was thought to above 70).16 At the same time, as many Tourette’s Syndrome
emerge either early in the first year of life, as 10% to 20% of individuals can make Approximately 11% of children with
or in the second year after a period of fairly substantial gains to the point of no longer autism also meet diagnostic criteria for
typical development and then a regression meeting criteria for an autism spectrum Tourette’s syndrome.19

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Sensory-Based Behaviors daytime functioning, while also disrupt- erence for faces over objects. Observe the
Characterized as either heightened ing family stability. Primary sleep dis- infant during interactions with mother and
sensitivity (to light, sound, or touch) orders, such as restless legs syndrome provider and note whether the infant ori-
or sensory-seeking (eg, prolonged (sometimes caused by an iron deficiency) ents to the face.
oral, visual, or tactile exploration; and obstructive sleep apnea (commonly Response to name, imitative social play,
seeking deep pressure on one’s body), caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids), and social smiling can be assessed later in
time spent on these behaviors can be can be seen in ASD, as well as sleep dis- the first year of life. Within the first few
significant and cause considerable im- ruption secondary to other medical con- minutes of the exam, move to a location
pairment in daily living. ditions, such as nocturnal seizures and behind the infant and call the child’s name
gastroesophageal reflux. A sleep study several times. Engage the child socially by
Self-Injurious Behaviors should be considered if sleep hygiene and smiling and peeking at the infant from be-
Although not specific to ASD, self-in- behavioral strategies are ineffective. hind an object. Observe the infant for smil-
jurious behaviors are common in children ing, cooing, turning to look at the provider
with autism, particularly those with more Nutrition and Gastrointestinal when called by name, making eye contact
severe symptoms as well as cognitive im- Dysfunction throughout, and showing enjoyment and
pairment. The relationship of gastrointestinal anticipation during peek-a-boo.
(GI) dysfunction and ASD is controver- Vocalization and gesture use, motor im-
MEDICAL COMORBIDITIES sial. Many complementary and alterna- itation, and joint attention can be assessed
tive medicine therapies have targeted GI starting at the 12-month visit. Note use of
Epilepsy health, some based on theories that GI speech-like babble and word approxima-
The reported prevalence of epilepsy dysfunction is not only associated with tions, social use of gestures (waving good-
(recurrent, unprovoked seizures) in au- autism, but possibly causative. These bye), imitation of simple motor actions
tism has ranged from 5% to 46%.20 theories have been supported primarily (sticking your tongue out, clapping), and
The age of seizure onset has followed by anecdotal evidence, and have not held ability to follow your point.
a bimodal distribution, with one peak at up to more rigorously designed studies. Referral to a developmental clinic
younger than age 6 years, and a second Data have supported a higher incidence and early intervention program may be
peak in adolescence. Seizure type varies of constipation and food selectivity in the warranted if delays are noted in these
from generalized seizures (eg, infantile ASD population, although the underlying skill domains.
spasms, generalized tonic-clonic) to basis of these symptoms is more likely
partial-onset seizures, the most common behavioral than biological.22 GI health Screening Instruments
type in autism. Epilepsy in autism tends and overall wellness should not be ig- Reliable screening instruments for
to correlate with intellectual disability nored; physical symptoms and nutritional children in the first year of life are still
and a worse prognosis, supporting the deficiencies can be difficult to recognize being researched. For children younger
concept of a more severe underlying and diagnose in this population, and could than 16 months, providers should fol-
neurological process (“autism plus”). worsen autistic behaviors. low the Centers for Disease Control and
Because certain types of seizures (eg, Prevention Act Early guidelines.24 All
complex partial) can be difficult to rec- ASSESSMENT AND children 16 months and older should be
ognize in the autism population, seizures DIAGNOSIS screened with the Modified-Checklist
should be considered in the differential for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), a
diagnosis of a new, unexplained behav- Primary Care Provider Assessment 23-item yes/no parent checklist.25 For
ioral disturbance or developmental re- The following probes for assessing early children 4 years and older, the Social
gression after the age of 4 years. symptoms are the same as those used in Communication Questionnaire (SCQ),
standardized diagnostic instruments, such a short parent-report questionnaire, is
Sleep Disorders as the Autism Diagnostic Observation recommended.26
Sleep disorder is the most common Schedule;23 however, they take only a few
medical comorbidity in the autism popu- minutes to administer and observe, making Evidence-Based Assessment
lation, seen in an estimated 50% to 80% them easy to include in well-child exams. A comprehensive assessment be-
of patients.21 Disturbance of sleep onset Eye contact and social orienting can be gins with the pediatrician/family physi-
and sleep maintenance are common, and assessed at most every well-child check. cian screening for autism symptoms in
can result in worsening of the individual’s Neonates orient to faces and show a pref- the primary care setting. When feasible

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within a local health care system, posi- mental risk factors for ASD, recognized 13. Ozonoff S, Heung K, Byrd R, et al. The onset of
autism: patterns of symptom emergence in the
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