A multinational study examining the cross cultural differences in reported symptoms of autism spectrum disorders: Israel, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America

Purportedly, there is a worldwide acceptance of diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); however, cultural differences in regards to what is considered normal development may affect the diagnosis despite the biological basis for the condition. The aim of the current study was to examine the differences in reports of symptoms of ASD across cultures. The Autism Spectrum Disorders-Diagnostic for Children (ASD-DC) was utilized to examine symptoms of ASD between children from Israel, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Symptom expression differences were found on nonverbal communication/socialization, verbal communication, and insistence of sameness and restricted interests. However, no significant differences emerged between participants on the domain of social relationships. The implications of these results are discussed.