DSM-5 consolidated autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from DSM-IV's separate diagnoses. Which DSM-IV diagnosis is no longer a separate diagnosis in DSM-5, and what are the two core symptom domains now required?

• A Rett syndrome eliminated; deficits in social communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviours
• B Childhood disintegrative disorder; deficits in language and motor development
• C Asperger's disorder, autistic disorder, PDD-NOS merged into ASD; (1) persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, AND (2) restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities ✓
• D Selective mutism eliminated; social pragmatic communication deficits only

Explanation

DSM-5 merged Asperger's disorder, autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder (retained as historical descriptor), and PDD-NOS into a single 'autism spectrum disorder' diagnosis. The two required core domains are: (1) persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, and (2) restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. Severity specifiers (Level 1/2/3 based on support needs) replaced the old categorical distinctions. Rett syndrome was removed from ASD as it is a specific genetic disorder (MECP2 mutation) better classified as a medical condition.

Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.

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