http://www.theatlantic.com/health/a...-of-autism-spectrum-disorder-why/360482/This struck a chord with me:
Diagnostic conundrums enter the picture when we frame autism as a spectrum disorder, (as it is now officially designated in the newly minted Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition, the psychiatric handbook used to diagnose it) and try to draw a bold line between a slow-to-mature toddler and one on the mild end of the spectrum. What is a doctor to make of a chatty, intellectually advanced, three-year old patient presenting with a hodgepodge of issues, such as: poor eye contact, clumsiness, difficulties transitioning, overactivity or underactivity, tantruming, picky eating, quirky interests, and social awkwardness? Does this presentation indicate mild ASD? Or, does it speak to a combination of off-beat developmental events that result in a toddler experiencing transitory stress, who is otherwise normal, in the broad sense?
Leave off picky eating and quirky interests, and that was my DD--who is now a popular 10yo with many friends, but who still has difficulties transitioning and some odd social skill deficits, and who does not always make good eye contact, most especially when stressed or upset.
