Autism Spectrum Disorder in the DSM-5: Diagnostic Sensitivity and Specificity in Early Childhood

J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 Jun;46(6):2054-2063. doi: 10.1007/s10803-016-2734-4.

Abstract

Changes to the DSM-5 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) criteria raised concerns among parents and practitioners that the criteria may exclude some children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). Few studies have examined DSM-5 sensitivity and specificity in children less than 5 years of age. This study evaluated 185 children aged 20-55 months with DSM-IV PDD or developmental delay. Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) data was assigned to DSM-5 subdomains. Children displaying the required symptomatology were classified with DSM-5 ASD. DSM-IV clinical diagnoses were compared to DSM-5 classifications. Using combined ADI-R/ADOS information, sensitivity was .84 and specificity was .54. Comorbid behaviour and emotional problems were significantly lower in children with PDD that did not meet DSM-5 criteria.

Keywords: ADI-R; ADOS; Autism Spectrum Disorder; DSM-5; Diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Affective Symptoms / classification
  • Affective Symptoms / diagnosis
  • Affective Symptoms / psychology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / classification
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / classification
  • Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / classification
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Comorbidity
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Sensitivity and Specificity