Types of Autism
Bridging The Gap ...
Individuals who fall under the Pervasive Developmental
Disorder category in the DSM-IV exhibit commonalities in
communication, social deficits, but differ in terms of
severity.
- Autistic Disorder: Impairments in social interaction, communication, and
imaginative play prior to age 3 years. Stereotyped behaviors, interests and
activities.
- Asperger's Disorder: Characterized by impairments in social interactions
and the presence of restricted interests and activities, with no clinically
significant general delay in language, and testing in the range of average to
above average intelligence.
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder: Not otherwise specified - (commonly
referred to as atypical autism) a diagnosis of PDD-NOS may be made when a
child does not meet the criteria for a specific diagnosis, but there is severe
and pervasive impairment in specified behaviors.
- Rett's Disorder: Progressive disorder which to date, has occurred only in
girls. Period of normal development and then loss of previously acquired
skills, loss of purposeful use of the hands replaced with repetitive hand
movements beginning at the age of 1-4 years.
(from American Psychiatric Association 1994)
