Autism Spectrum DisordersAll Autism Spectrum Disorders are classified in two important books used as manuals for mental disorders or related health problems: the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) In those diagnostic books the Autism Spectrum Disorders are referred to as five separate disorders: 1. Autistic disorder (or autism) 2. Asperger Syndrome 3. Rett Syndrome 4. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) 5. Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Sometimes the term Autism Spectrum Disorder has been replaced by Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) This refers also to a category of disorders and is not a diagnostic label in itself. The intent behind the DSM-IV is that the diagnostic criteria are not used as a checklist but as a guideline for diagnosing Pervasive Developmental Disorders or Autism Spectrum Disorders. However the distinction between those two terms is a little blurry.
Autistic DisorderAutistic Disorder, sometimes referred to as early infantile autism or childhood autism, is four times more common in boys than in girls. Children with Autistic Disorder have a moderate to severe range of communication, socialization, and behavior problems. Many children with autism also have mental retardation. For more information go to the DSM IV criteria for Autistic Disorder.
Asperger Syndromealso referred to as Aspergers or Aspergers Disorder, is a developmental disorder characterized by a lack of social skills such as difficulty with social interaction, poor communication, poor concentration, clumsiness and a limited range of interests. There is a normal intelligence and adequate language skills in the areas of vocabulary and grammar. Asperger is recognized later then Autistic disorder. There is no delay in language acquisition or development however most people with Asperger have difficulty understanding the subtleties used in conversation, such as irony, sarcasm or humor.While many individuals with autism or Autistic Disorder have mental retardation, those with Aspergers have an average to above average or even high intelligence.
For more specific information go to the
DSM IV criteria
for Asperger Syndrome.
Rett SyndromeRett's Syndrome is also known as Rett Disorder and is diagnosed mostly in girls. The development in children with Rett’s Syndrome proceeds in an apparently normal fashion over the first 6 to 18 months of their lives. At that point parents notice a change in their child's behavior and some regression or loss of abilities, especially in motor skills such as walking. This is followed by an obvious loss in abilities such as speech, reasoning, and hand use. The repetition of certain meaningless gestures or movements is an important clue to diagnosing Rett's Disorder; these gestures typically consist of constant hand-wringing or hand-washing (Moeschler, Gibbs, & Graham 1990). For more information on this Autism Spectrum Disorder go to the DSM IV criteria for Rett’s Syndrome.Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)CDD is an extremely rare disorder with very specific signs of regression in physical functioning such as motor skills, or control over bladder and bowel movement. Regression in social and language skills can also be apparent. These regressions will not be there before the age of two. By definition this disorder can only be diagnosed is those symptoms are preceded by at least two years of normal development. The regression must be prior to age ten. For more information on this Autism Spectrum Disorder got to the DSM IV criteria for CDD.Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise SpecifiedChildren with PDD-NOS have characteristics that will make their lives more challenging in some areas. They can have similar impairments such as poor communication, repetitive behavior, lack of imagination and lack of social interaction, like children with Asperger Syndrome. However since they will not meet the criteria of Asperger or any of the other Autism Spectrum Disorders, their impairments might me less severe or apparent in a mild form. Their intelligence can be normal or above average. There are no separate criteria in the DSM IV manual for this specific Disorder.Back to Asperger-Advice.com Homepage
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