Which disorder is characterized by social impairment and restricted behaviors and interests, but with normal language and cognitive development?

Which disorder is characterized by social impairment and restricted behaviors and interests, but with normal language and cognitive development?

• A. Asperger Disorder
• B. Autistic Disorder
• C. PDD
• D. Rett Syndrome

Answer: (A)

This pattern targets an autism spectrum presentation where social difficulties and restricted interests are present, but language and overall cognitive development are normal. In Asperger Disorder, individuals typically have normal or above-average intelligence and normal language development. They may struggle with social interactions, show repetitive patterns of behavior, and develop intense, narrow interests, but they do not have the language delays or cognitive impairments seen in other autism-related conditions. This distinguishes it from classic autistic disorder, where language delay or impairment and sometimes cognitive delays are common. Rett Syndrome involves a period of normal development followed by regression, with distinctive hand-wringing and motor decline, which isn’t described here. PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) is a broader, older category that doesn’t specify the preserved language and cognitive development noted in Asperger Disorder. So, the combination of social impairment and restricted interests with normal language and cognitive development is best explained by Asperger Disorder.

This pattern targets an autism spectrum presentation where social difficulties and restricted interests are present, but language and overall cognitive development are normal. In Asperger Disorder, individuals typically have normal or above-average intelligence and normal language development. They may struggle with social interactions, show repetitive patterns of behavior, and develop intense, narrow interests, but they do not have the language delays or cognitive impairments seen in other autism-related conditions.

This distinguishes it from classic autistic disorder, where language delay or impairment and sometimes cognitive delays are common. Rett Syndrome involves a period of normal development followed by regression, with distinctive hand-wringing and motor decline, which isn’t described here. PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) is a broader, older category that doesn’t specify the preserved language and cognitive development noted in Asperger Disorder.

So, the combination of social impairment and restricted interests with normal language and cognitive development is best explained by Asperger Disorder.