Which of the following psychological disorders is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and communication, similar to autism spectrum disorder, but does not include the repetitive behavioral symptoms typically associated with autism?

• A. Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
• B. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• C. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• D. Specific Learning Disorder

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core features of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which include difficulties in social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive behaviors and restricted interests.
2. Step 2: Identify the disorder described in the question as having significant difficulties in social interaction and communication similar to ASD, but without the repetitive behaviors.
3. Step 3: Review the characteristics of each listed disorder: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder involves repetitive behaviors but is not primarily about social communication; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder involves attention and hyperactivity issues; Specific Learning Disorder involves difficulties in academic skills.
4. Step 4: Recognize that Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder is defined by challenges in social use of verbal and nonverbal communication without the repetitive behaviors seen in ASD.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the disorder matching the description is Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder, as it aligns with the social and communication difficulties without the repetitive behaviors.