What defines Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is primarily characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction. Individuals with ASD often have challenges in understanding and engaging in social cues, participating in conversations, and developing relationships with others. These social difficulties can manifest in various ways, including difficulty in understanding nonverbal cues, initiating and maintaining conversations, and sharing interests or emotions with peers.

The defining features of ASD emphasize the importance of social interaction as a core component. This includes difficulties in understanding social situations, which can lead to challenges in forming friendships and participating in social activities. The spectrum nature of the disorder means that the severity and combination of these deficits can vary widely among individuals, making the social aspects of communication a critical area of focus in understanding ASD.

The other options provided do not accurately define ASD; while some individuals with ASD may develop strong verbal skills or improve their social abilities over time, these characteristics are not defining features of the disorder itself. Additionally, the sensory sensitivities associated with ASD are broader than mere oversensitivity and can involve a variety of sensory processing issues, which does not encompass the full spectrum of the disorder.