Final answer:
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors or interests. Impaired nonverbal communication is one of the social/communication deficits used in the diagnosis of ASD in the DSM-V.
Step-by-step explanation:
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) encompass a group of developmental brain disorders that are characterized by deficits in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and engagement in repetitive behaviors or interests. The impaired nonverbal communication is one of the social/communication deficits used in the diagnosis of ASD in the DSM-V. Nonverbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, and gestures that are used to convey meaning without the use of words.