Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of severe developmental and neuropsychiatric disorders usually apparent by the age of three. Autism, referred to as autism spectrum disorder in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent deficits in social interaction and social communication, as well as a range of restricted, repetitive behaviours (World Health Organization 2018). The onset of autism is in the developmental period (0–18 years of age), though for some autistic persons the symptoms may manifest later in life, at a time of increased social demands (World Health Organization 2018). In addition to the aforementioned core autistic features, many autistic people have associated symptoms, including hypo- or hypersensitivities to sensory stimuli, difficulties describing their emotional state (alexithymia), and problems with gross motor co-ordination The chapter will discuss the interface between autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability and the potential management of the disorder. It will also cover the gender variations in presentation.