What are the primary deficits observed in Autism Spectrum Disorder?

The primary deficits observed in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are centered around two key areas: social communication and the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior. This is supported by the DSM-5-TR criteria, which emphasize that individuals with ASD typically experience significant challenges in understanding and engaging in social interactions. These challenges can manifest as difficulties in recognizing social cues, engaging in reciprocal communication, and developing age-appropriate relationships.

Additionally, individuals with autism often show restrictive and repetitive behaviors, which can include repetitive motor movements, insistence on sameness, or highly focused interests. These aspects are core features of ASD and are essential for making an accurate diagnosis.

While deficits in sensory processing and emotional regulation can be experienced by individuals with ASD, they are not universally recognized as primary symptoms of the disorder. Sensory processing difficulties may occur, but they are not central to the diagnostic criteria for autism. The same applies to emotional regulation, which, although sometimes affected, does not define the condition itself. Academic performance issues can arise as a secondary consequence of the social and communicative deficits, but they are not a defining feature of ASD.

Thus, the emphasis on deficits in social communication and restrictive patterns of behavior specifically captures the essence of Autism Spectrum Disorder as