Cory is eight years old, and spends a lot of his time alone. He is easily upset by noise or crowds, and to calm himself he rocks back and forth while tapping his forehead. He tends to become fixated on one item or topic (like dinosaurs, or vacuum cleaners) and focuses on that thing to the point of obsession. Which disorder is illustrated by this example?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described in the example are characteristic of autism, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. The fixation on one item or topic, sensitivity to noise and crowds, and self-stimulatory behavior (rocking and tapping) are all common features of autism. Schizotypal personality disorder and catatonic schizophrenia both involve more severe disruptions in thought and perception, and would not be consistent with the symptoms described. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder does involve preoccupation with orderliness and control, but would not include the other features described.

Cory Is Eight Years Old, and Spends a Lot of His