Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by which core features?

• A. Deficits in communication and social interaction, with restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
• B. Chronic anxiety without social impairment
• C. Only motor delays with no social issues
• D. Acute psychosis with fluctuating mood

Answer: (A)

Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These two areas are what clinicians look for to diagnose ASD, typically with signs appearing in early childhood and causing clinically significant impairment. The description that names difficulties in communicating and interacting with others plus a pattern of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors reflects the defining combination of features. This pattern helps distinguish ASD from other conditions: chronic anxiety without social impairment wouldn’t show persistent social-communication deficits; motor delays without social issues don’t capture the social/communication aspect; and acute psychosis with mood fluctuations aligns with entirely different psychiatric processes.