What is the difference between autism and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified?
Autism is a diagnosis classified under the broad term of pervasive developmental disorders. It is the most severe pervasive developmental disorder in which there is language and social impairments and pattern of restrictive and stereotyped behaviors, interests and activities. For a diagnosis of autism (autistic disorder), the following criteria must be met: • a total of six (or more) items from (1), (2), and (3), with at least two from (1), and one each from (2) and (3): • qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following: • marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction • failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level • a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest) • lack of soci
