Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): The Daily PANCE Blueprint

Home Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): The Daily PANCE Blueprint

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): The Daily PANCE Blueprint

A 3-year-old girl is brought to the office because her parents are concerned about her social interactions and language development. The girl speaks about 50 words and uses some 2-word phrases. She enjoys playing with her toy blocks but prefers to play alone rather than with other children. She lines up her toys in a specific order and becomes very upset if the order is disrupted. When the healthcare provider enters the room, she avoids eye contact and does not respond to her name. She becomes distressed and starts flapping her hands when her routine is interrupted. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis in this patient?

A. Intellectual disability
B. Autism spectrum disorder
C. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
D. Social (pragmatic) communication disorder
E. Developmental language disorder

Answer and topic summary

The answer is B. Aautism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most likely diagnosis given the girl’s social interaction difficulties, limited language development, preference for solitary play, insistence on sameness, and repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping. These characteristics are hallmark features of ASD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction.

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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:

Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Psychiatry ⇒ Neurodevelopmental disorders ⇒ Autism spectrum disorder

Also covered as part of the Pediatric EOR and Psychiatry EOR topic lists

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