What is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)?
Children who have difficulty with social skills, language and behavior are said to have an autism spectrum disorder (formerly known as a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)). There may be large differences between individuals with these disorders, and symptoms and difficulties occur along a continuum, or spectrum. The continuum may include a child with autism who does not find social interaction rewarding on one end, and another child who is very sociable on the other. Some children with ASD are mentally retarded, while others have higher than average intelligence. Most children with problems in development have only one or two areas of disability.
