F94: Disorders of social functioning with onset specific to childhood and adolescence

Disorders of social functioning with onset specific to childhood and adolescence, as the name suggests, are disorders that start to become evident during either the childhood or adolescent stage of life. Common characteristics of these conditions include marked difficulties with social interaction, understanding social cues, adopting appropriate social behaviors, and responding suitably to social situations. These issues often lead to significant impairment in everyday functioning. The causes of these disorders can include genetic factors, brain structure abnormalities, or exposure to certain environmental risks. While symptoms may vary greatly depending on the specific disorder, common signs might involve difficulty forming friendships, lack of interest in social interaction, and problems with comprehending and following social norms or rules. The progression of these disorders also varies, but typically, without intervention, these issues continue well into adulthood. The condition primarily affects the psychological and behavioral systems of the afflicted individuals.