|
behaviors. While
social symptoms are usually present in the first year of life,
language problems show up in the second year and stereotypic
problems later. Many of these children will have intellectual
deficits. Others may have normal scores on intelligence tests
but experience difficulty with abstract or real life reasoning. Current estimates
suggest that 1 in 166 children diagnosed today are affected by autism in the United States.
Autism
spectrum disorders are a group of related brain-based disorders encompassing
pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), Asperger's Syndrome and PDD not otherwise specified
(PDD NOS). Autism spectrum disorders are
lifelong conditions with no known cure. However, early diagnosis and
intervention are crucial in helping a child reach his/her highest level of
functioning.
What is
Pervasive Developmental Disorder?
The
diagnostic category of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD)
refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the
development of socialization and communication skills. Parents may
note symptoms as early as infancy, although the typical age of onset
is before 3 years of age. Symptoms may include problems with using
and understanding language; difficulty relating to people, objects,
and events; unusual play with toys and other objects; difficulty
with changes in routine or familiar surroundings; and repetitive
body movements or behavior patterns. Many times children who
do not meet the full criteria for autism because their delay are
less severe, receive this diagnosis.
What is Asperger's Disorder
and how is it different from autism?
Asperger's Disorder shares the
same social deficits and restricted range of interest and behaviors associated
with autism. However, unlike individuals with autism, those with Asperger's
do not have a history of substantial cognitive or communication delays.
What is
Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise
Specified?
This diagnostic category
is a 'subthreshold' condition in which some - but not all - features
of autism or Pervasive Developmental Disorder are identified. It
encompasses cases where marked impairment of social interaction,
communication, and/or stereotyped behavior patterns or interest, but
when full features for autism or another explicitly defined PDD are
not met.
|
