Autism Spectrum Disorders are a group of developmental brain disorders characterized by deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and engagement in repetitive behaviors.

Autism Spectrum Disorders are a group of developmental brain disorders characterized by deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and engagement in repetitive behaviors.

• A. They are a mood disorder
• B. They are unrelated to development
• C. They are a group of developmental brain disorders characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors
• D. They are defined by enhanced cognitive ability

Answer: (C)

Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental conditions, meaning they originate in early brain development and affect how a person socializes, communicates both verbally and nonverbally, and engages in patterns of behavior. This description captures the hallmark features used to identify autism: persistent challenges in social interaction, difficulties with communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviors or interests. It’s not a mood disorder, it’s not unrelated to development, and cognitive ability can vary widely rather than being universally enhanced, so the statement that they are a developmental brain disorder characterized by those deficits best fits what autism is.

Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental conditions, meaning they originate in early brain development and affect how a person socializes, communicates both verbally and nonverbally, and engages in patterns of behavior. This description captures the hallmark features used to identify autism: persistent challenges in social interaction, difficulties with communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviors or interests. It’s not a mood disorder, it’s not unrelated to development, and cognitive ability can vary widely rather than being universally enhanced, so the statement that they are a developmental brain disorder characterized by those deficits best fits what autism is.