What is the role of clinical interviews in diagnosing ASD and ADHD?

Clinical interviews are the cornerstone of diagnosis. Psychiatrists gather developmental history, behavioral patterns, and emotional responses through parent consultations, while observing the child’s interaction style and screening for co‑existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.

What are the DSM‑5 criteria for Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

ASD diagnosis requires persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, including difficulties in verbal and non‑verbal expression, empathy, and relationship building, along with restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests and difficulty adapting to change.

What are the DSM‑5 criteria for Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is diagnosed when inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity appear before age 12, persist for at least six months, are inconsistent with developmental level, significantly impact social, academic, or daily functioning, and occur in two or more settings such as home and school.

How do psychiatrists support families after diagnosis?

Clinicians develop individualized intervention plans tailored to each child’s needs, combining behavioral therapy, medication management, and educational support to promote holistic development and improve quality of life for children and families.

When should parents seek professional help?

Parents should seek psychiatric assessment if symptoms interfere with learning, relationships, or daily life. Early intervention maximizes developmental outcomes and ensures access to appropriate resources and support.

Diagnosing Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Blossom
Jun 27, 2022
1 min read

Clinical interviews are the cornerstone of diagnosing Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Psychiatrists typically conduct in‑depth conversations with parents to gather detailed information about a child’s developmental history, behavioral patterns, and emotional responses. During the consultation, clinicians carefully observe the child’s interaction style, while also evaluating for potential co‑existing conditions such as anxiety or depression.”

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM‑5)

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‑5), ASD diagnosis requires:

Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction – including difficulties in verbal and non‑verbal expression, empathy, and relationship building.
Restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests – with challenges adapting to change.

Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

DSM‑5 criteria for ADHD include:

Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity appearing before age 12.
Symptoms lasting at least six months, inconsistent with developmental level.
Significant impact on social, academic, or daily functioning.
Symptoms present in two or more settings (e.g., home and school).

Through comprehensive interviews and careful observation, clinicians can:

Develop individualized intervention plans tailored to each child’s needs.
Combine behavioral therapy, medication management, and educational support.
Promote holistic development and improve quality of life for children and families.

Interview with Dr Ho Nga Lei Lily, Specialist in Psychiatry

Recapitulated version from Creating a Brighter Horizon for Children with ASD "Diagnosing Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)"

#AutisticSpectrumDisorder #AttentionDeficitHyperactivityDisorder #ASD #ADHD #ADHDAssessment #ASDAssessment

#MentalHealthAwareness #EarlyInterventionMatters #NeurodevelopmentalDisorders #ADHDASDComorbid

Diagnosing Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Recent Posts

Comments

聯絡寧心醫療