Autistic Disorder (Autism)

Autistic disorder is a form of autism.  It is also known as autism, childhood autism, early infantile autism, Kanner's syndrome or infantile psychosis.

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published in 2013, eliminates autistic disorder as a formal diagnosis by dissolving it and other subtypes of autism into one diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder.

The 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, which published in 2020, eliminated childhood autism as a formal diagnosis by dissolving it and other subtypes of autism into one diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder.

The 10th edition of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, published in 2010, states that 'childhood autism' is

'A type of pervasive developmental disorder that is defined by: (a) the presence of abnormal or impaired development that is manifest before the age of three years, and (b) the characteristic type of abnormal functioning in all the three areas of psychopathology: reciprocal social interaction, communication, and restricted, stereotyped, repetitive behaviour. In addition to these specific diagnostic features, a range of other nonspecific problems are common, such as phobias, sleeping and eating disturbances, temper tantrums, and (self-directed) aggression'

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Please see our detailed entry for Autistic Disorder (Autism)

Related Glossaries

• Autistic Disorder

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Updated

15 Jun 2022