What are autistic spectrum disorders?
Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) are related to autism. Autism is a disorder in which children have problems with language and getting along with others. ASD may also be called pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). There are 5 ASD disorders: Autism: A disorder in which a person has problems with language, social skills, and repetitive, restricted behaviors. Asperger syndrome: A form of high-functioning autism in which a child may have good language skills, but has trouble being around others and other behavior problems. PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified): This is the general diagnosis given if a child has some symptoms of autism or Asperger syndrome, but does not meet the specific criteria for either. Rett syndrome: A very rare disorder affecting only girls in which autistic-like symptoms start 6 to 18 months after birth. Childhood disintegrative disorder: A rare disorder in which a child develops normally until about age 3 or 4 and then begins to sh
