Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by all but which of the following categories of symptoms?

• A. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities
• B. Impairments in social communication and interaction
• C. Sensory sensitivities
• D. Hallucinations and delusions

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core symptom categories of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These typically include impairments in social communication and interaction, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, and sensory sensitivities.
2. Step 2: Review the list of symptoms provided in the problem and identify which ones align with the known diagnostic criteria for ASD.
3. Step 3: Recognize that hallucinations and delusions are not characteristic symptoms of ASD; instead, they are more commonly associated with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
4. Step 4: Compare each symptom category to the diagnostic criteria for ASD to confirm that hallucinations and delusions do not fit within the ASD symptom profile.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the symptom category 'Hallucinations and delusions' is the correct answer because it is not a characteristic symptom of Autism Spectrum Disorder.