A curiosity exercise · based on DSM-5

The shape of the criteria

A walk through how the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition describes Autism Spectrum Disorder — its two core domains, its supporting conditions, and its three levels of support.

This is not a diagnostic test. Autism can only be assessed by a qualified clinician through interviews, history, and observation — never a questionnaire. This is a guided reflection to show you how the manual is actually built. Answer for yourself, or just read along.

You'll answer short statements on a 4-point scale. At the end you'll see how your answers map onto the manual's structure, and which support level the pattern most resembles in each domain.

Domain A0 / 0
Your reflection, mapped

How it lines up

DSM-5 (and its 2022 text revision, DSM-5-TR) require that traits appear in the early developmental period, cause clinically significant impairment, and aren't better explained by intellectual disability — and crucially, that they be evaluated by a professional. A self-reflection can't establish any of that. If this resonates and you want real answers, a clinician (psychologist, psychiatrist, or specialist GP referral) is the path.