What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism is
a lifelong neurological disability that affects a person's ability to
communicate, understand language, play and socially interact with
others. The first signs of autism usually appear as developmental
delays before age three.
There are diagnoses closely related to
autism such as PDD-NOS (pervasive development disorder not otherwise
specified), and Rett's syndrome that are included in the category of
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) 20O7)
Asperger
Syndrome (AS) is considered a pervasive developmental disorder at the
higher functioning end of the autism spectrum. It is characterized by
sustained impairment in social interaction and the development of
restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests and activities.
In contrast to autism, there are no obvious delays in language or
cognitive development, or in age-appropriate self-help skills and
adaptive behaviors through there are subtle impairments. (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) 20O7)
The
diagnosis PDD-NOS is usually given to an individual who does not meet
the diagnostic criteria for any of the four other Pervasive
Developmental Disorders, yet clearly shows unusual development in the
areas of communication, social interaction and interests/attention.
PDD-NOS
is a neurological disorder, and symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Often, individuals with a PDD-NOS diagnosis have more intact social
skills than individuals diagnosed with other Pervasive Developmental
Disorders. Sometimes this diagnosis is given to very young children
with limited communication skills who also show characteristics of
autism. As the child's communication skills increase, other symptoms of
autism may become more apparent. (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) 20O7)
Rett
Syndrome (RTT) is a neurological disorder that is diagnosed almost
exclusively in girls. Although the genetic mutation is present at birth,
symptoms, which include loss of language and severe motor deficits, do
not manifest themselves until the child’s second year.
Childhood
Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) includes severe regression in language
skills, social skills, and all developmental motor skills. After what
appears to be a normal development through the age of 0-24 months, the
child regresses between the ages of 2 and 4 years of age.