Amy's Neuroaffirming DSM-5-TR Autism 'Diagnosis' Criteria

Do you suspect that you might be autistic, but don't relate to being like Rainman (remember that film with Tom Cruise?) and that you don't enjoy playing with little trains?

Are you looking at have an adult autism assessment, but unsure, because you don't see yourself in the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria?

If you were to Google 'autism' right now, what comes up is negative and CRAP.

It is medical model.

A deficit-based model.

Rude and disrespectful.

So, I was just like YOU!! ... spending many hours researching on the net trying to figure out what was different about me, but struggling to work it out! I've heard that mums are better at research than the FBI where google is concerned!

To save you time, and to help my neurokin out, I have developed my very own neuroaffirming translation of the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for autism.

You're very welcome!

DSM-5-TR Main Criteria	DSM-5-TR Sub-criteria	Amy’s Neuroaffirming Translation
Criterion A. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, as manifested by all of the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive):	1.Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity, ranging, for example, from abnormal social approach and failure of normal back-and-forth conversation; to reduced sharing of interests, emotions, or affect; to failure to initiate or respond to social interactions.	1.Unique approaches to social engagement, varying preferences for conversational flow and reciprocity, personal ways of expressing and sharing interests and emotions, and diverse comfort levels with initiating or responding to social interactions.
2.Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviours used for social interaction, ranging, for example, from poorly integrated verbal and nonverbal communication; to abnormalities in eye contact and body language or deficits in understanding and use of gestures; to a total lack of facial expressions and nonverbal communication.	2.Communication through distinct patterns of body language, including personalized styles of eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures.
3.Deficits in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships, ranging, for example, from difficulties adjusting behaviour to suit various social contexts; to difficulties in sharing imaginative play or in making friends; to absence of interest in peers.	3.Distinct preferences for social engagement, unique ways of expressing care and connection, and personal styles of adapting to different social environments. Note that while neurotypical social norms may feel unfamiliar or challenging to engage with, many neurodivergent people develop meaningful relationships and social strategies that align with their natural way of being.
Criterion B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive): (note only need to have 2/4 to meet ‘criteria’, and can be historically met)	1.Stereotyped or repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech (e.g., simple motor stereotypies, lining up toys or flipping objects, echolalia, idiosyncratic phrases).	1.Repetitive motor movements, use of objects, or speech often used to help regulate, stay focused, and connected to one’s bodies (e.g., teeth tapping patterns, counting in one’s head, scratching, picking, fiddling, watching familiar movies, reading familiar books, listening to songs on repeat, or having ‘same foods’, etc). These natural movements are part of human diversity.
2.Insistence on sameness, inflexible adherence to routines, or ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behaviour (e.g., extreme distress at small changes, difficulties with transitions, rigid thinking patterns, greeting rituals, need to take same route or eat same food every day).	2.Tendency to find deep comfort and strength in the beauty of consistency and familiar patterns. Creating meaningful routines and rituals provide a steady foundation that helps navigate daily life with confidence. For example, following cherished daily practices, or finding peace in predictable environments.
3.Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus (e.g., strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interests).	3.Highly developed interests (special interests) that is an area of passion that must be explored by the individual in depth
4.Hyper- or hypoactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of the environment (e.g., apparent indifference to pain/temperature, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, excessive smelling or touching of objects, visual fascination with lights or movement).	4.Hyper- or hypoactivity to sensory input or a distinct interest in sensory aspects of the environment (e.g., higher pain threshold, easily runs hot, sound sensitive, light sensitive, needing to wear certain fabrics, etc)
Criterion C. Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities, or may be masked by learned strategies in later life).		Did you have this neurotype as a child too?
Criterion D. Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning:		Do you find it hard living in a neurotypical world, and it impacts important parts of your life (including your mental health?)
Criterion E. These disturbances are not better explained by intellectual developmental disorder (intellectual disability) or global developmental delay.		Is your neurotype better explained by an intellectual developmental disorder?

I hope you like what you see, and can relate to this much better!

My whole approach to assessments is very gentle and affirming. Book an adult autism assessment  with me today. I've got plenty more resources like this one to show you too- I don't put everything in my blogs! :)

Contact us today for an adult autism and ADHD assessment - I live and breathe this- and I can support you to better understand who you are.