title: Autism Spectrum Disorder: Defining Dimensions and Subgroups.
abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder associated with the presence of social-communication deficits and restricted and repetitive behaviors. In the latest conceptualization of ASD, these two behavioral dimensions represent the core defining features of ASD, whereas associated dimensions, such as intellectual and language ability, provide a means for describing the ASD heterogeneity. In addition, the characterization of ASD subgroups, defined by the presence of known medical, genetic, or other psychiatric disorders, furthers our understanding of ASD heterogeneity. This paper reviews the history of autism, describes its core defining features, and provides an overview of the clinically and etiologically relevant subgroups that add to the complexity of this condition.
authors: Emory Autism Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 1551 Shoup Court, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors: Opal
authors: O
authors: Ousley
authors: Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1920 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
authors: Tracy
authors: T
authors: Cermak
keywords: ADHD; Anxiety; Asperger; Autism; Autism spectrum disorder; Catatonia; DSM-5; Depression; Dimension; Disruptive behavior; ICD-11; Kanner; Pervasive developmental disorder; Specifier; Subtype