Reference
Guide | Reference

73  Autism Pattern Prototype

73.1 Summary

  • A pattern of longstanding social communication differences with restricted interests, routines, or sensory sensitivities.

73.2 Prototype Features

  • Social reciprocity differences and pragmatic communication shifts.
  • Preference for routines or predictable environments.
  • Sensory sensitivities or focused interests.

73.3 Threshold Guidance

  • Use when social communication differences and rigidity/sensory patterns are persistent and impairing or require supports.

73.4 Expected Domain Profile

  • Social Communication and Relatedness: moderate to high.
  • Cognitive Control and Executive Function: variable.

73.5 Time-Course and Trajectory

  • Early-onset and stable over time.

73.6 Differential and Red Flags

  • Social anxiety or trauma-related avoidance.
  • Hearing or language impairments.
  • Intellectual disability or learning disorder overlap.

73.7 Specifiers (treatment-relevant, non-prescriptive)

  • Course/time pattern (early-onset, stable).
  • Contributors (environment mismatch, sensory overload).
  • Risk modifiers (burnout, isolation).

73.8 Measurement Prompts

  • Social communication screening questions.
  • Sensory profile or collateral reports.

73.10 Documentation Snippet (1-2 lines)

  • “Longstanding social communication differences with sensory sensitivity; Social Relatedness 3; stable course.”