Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by deficits in which areas?

• A. A disorder characterized by overeating and binge eating.
• B. A disorder marked by mood instability.
• C. A disorder with deficits in social relatedness and communication, often with repetitive behaviors.
• D. A disorder caused by lack of physical exercise.

Answer: (C)

Autistic presentations revolve around two main areas: social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. In social communication, individuals may have trouble with back-and-forth conversation, sharing emotions, understanding gestures or facial expressions, and forming or sustaining relationships. In the repetitive-behavior domain, they might engage in repetitive movements or speech, insist on sameness or routines, have highly focused interests, and react differently to sensory input. These features typically emerge in early childhood and can vary in severity, but together they define the condition.

Choices describing overeating, mood instability, or lack of physical exercise do not reflect the core patterns of autism spectrum disorder.