What is Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)?
The term Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a general term referring to a group of disorders described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition (DSM-IV) under the heading Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The term Autistic Spectrum Disorders is interchangeable with Pervasive Developmental Disorders and refers to the 5 diagnostic categories listed below. • Autistic Disorder • Asperger’s Disorder • Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) • Childhood Disintegrative Disorder • Rett’s Disorder Each of the disorders within the “spectrum” of autism share a range of related characteristics which include impairments in three general areas: • Social Development • Communication • Behaviour Children along the “autistic spectrum” show impairments in social development, communication and behaviour to varying degrees.4 Some children with ASD may not demonstrate any symptoms that are quickly noticeable. Some children with ASD may have normal or even a
