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Attention, monotropism and the diagnostic criteria for autism

Dinah Murray, Mike Lesser, and Wendy LawsonView all authors and affiliations

Volume 9, Issue 2

https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361305051398

Abstract
References

Abstract

The authors conclude from a range of literature relevant to the autistic condition that atypical strategies for the allocation of attention are central to the condition. This assertion is examined in the context of recent research, the diagnostic criteria for autism in DSMIV and ICD-10, and the personal experiences of individuals with autism including one of the authors of the article. The first two diagnostic criteria are shown to follow from the ‘restricted range of interests’ referred to in the third criterion. Implications for practice are indicated.

1 Where her comments appear as here, in smaller type and indented, Lawson, who has a diagnosis of autism, is writing specifically from a subjectively autistic viewpoint. Elsewhere she contributes as a fellow researcher.

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