Diagnosis and Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in South Korea

• Published in: Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Vol. 35; no. 1; pp. 15 - 26
• Main Authors: Kim, Johanna Inhyang, Yoo, Hee Jeong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) 대한소아청소년정신의학회 2024; Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; 대한소아청소년 정신의학회
• Subjects: Age; Autism; Child & adolescent psychiatry; Child development; Children & youth; Communication; Convulsions & seizures; Epilepsy; Families & family life; Genetic disorders; Genetic testing; Information sources; Magnetic resonance imaging; Metabolic disorders; Pediatrics; Professionals; SPECIAL ARTICLE: Korean Practice Guideline for Autism Spectrum Disorder; Surveillance; Task forces; Toddlers; 정신과학; South Korea; Biomarker; Differential diagnosis; Diagnosis; Comorbidities; Autism spectrum disorder
• ISSN: 1225-729X; 2233-9183; 2233-9183
• DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.230009

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed by the clinical decision of a trained professional based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition or International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision diagnostic criteria. To obtain information for diagnostic formulation, professionals should explore detailed developmental history, and can use structured or semi-structured assessment tools to observe interaction between the child and parents or strangers. Diagnostic assessment should include a profile of the strength and weaknesses of the individual and should be conducted using an optimal approach by a multidisciplinary team with appropriate techniques and experience. Assessment of language, cognitive, neuropsychological, and adaptive functioning should be conducted in ASD individuals prior to establishing an individualized treatment plan. Genetic testing, brain magnetic resonance imaging or electroencephalogram testing can be considered for identification of underlying causes.