Which of the following is NOT a deficit commonly associated with ASD?

The choice of effective verbal communication as the option that is not a commonly associated deficit with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is fundamentally supported by the understanding of how communication challenges manifest in individuals with ASD. While many individuals on the spectrum may experience difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, it is important to note that not all individuals with ASD exhibit significant deficits in effective verbal communication.

Some individuals may have strong verbal skills and be able to communicate effectively in certain contexts. For example, a person with ASD might excel in written communication or express themselves well when discussing topics they are passionate about. The variations in communication abilities among individuals with ASD indicate that effective verbal communication is not universally impaired and therefore can be seen as less associated with the core deficits of the disorder compared to other areas like social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests.

In contrast, the other options—social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests—are well-documented areas of challenge for many individuals with ASD. These core deficits are integral to the diagnostic criteria for ASD and significantly impact the daily lives of those on the spectrum, making them more consistently acknowledged characteristics of the disorder.