Which of the following best describes the core diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder?

• A. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across contexts
• B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities
• C. Symptoms must be present in early developmental period
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Autism spectrum disorder is defined by the presence of features in more than one domain, with onset in early development and that lead to functional impairment. The social-communication domain describes persistent deficits in social interaction and communication across contexts, including challenges with reciprocal conversation, sharing emotions, and interpreting nonverbal cues. The second domain covers restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, such as repetitive movements, inflexible routines, or highly focused interests. The onset criterion notes that these symptoms appear in the early developmental period, often before age two, even if diagnosis is made later when demands exceed the child’s abilities.

Because the diagnosis rests on both social-communication difficulties and restricted/repetitive behaviors, and with onset in early development, all of these aspects together best describe the diagnostic picture. Hence, all of the above is the correct framing.