From Asperger's Autistischen Psychopathen to DSM-5 Autism Spectrum Disorder and Beyond: A Subthreshold Autism Spectrum Model

Course overview

This article describes the diagnostic evolution of Autism Spectrum Disorders, with particular emphasis regarding its presentation in adults. With this summary in mind, the article then describes a model of subthreshold autism. The authors assert that such subthreshold presentations may well include early onset precursors, prodromal features of onset or recurrence, or persistent residual symptoms, as well as personality traits, independently from their interference with the overall functioning and quality of life. It concludes with a brief section detailing new perspectives for future research.