Autism describes a group of neurodevelopmental disorders
collectively known as the autism spectrum. The autism spectrum encompasses:
·
Autism
·
Asperger’s Syndrome
·
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise
Specified (PDD-NOS)
Although these disorders are related and may all be included
in the definition of autism, they are actually quite distinct from one another.
At one time they were recognized as separate disorders; however, the latest
psychological Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth Edition,
known as the DSM-V, combines them
within the autism spectrum.
Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by social
impairment; impaired verbal and non-verbal communication; and restrictive, repetitive,
or stereotyped behavior. These characteristics are usually apparent before the
age of three.
Autism carries with it a wide range of symptoms, skills, and
levels of impairment. Some individuals with autism are severely developmentally
disabled and may never acquire verbal communication, while others have high-functioning
autism, defined as an IQ higher than 70.
A typical autism definition refers primarily to this form of
autism; however, Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise
specified (PDD-NOS) have recently been included with autism on the autism
spectrum.
Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder marked by
difficulties with social functioning and nonverbal communication, although
verbal and cognitive development is often otherwise intact.
Those with Asperger’s syndrome tend to be high functioning,
although this syndrome is distinct from high-functioning autism. Despite having
high intelligence, people with Asperger’s syndrome have difficulty with social
interaction. They often have difficulty understanding subtle forms of nonverbal
communication cues, such as eye contact and body posturing, and they may lack
normal empathy.
Asperger’s syndrome is also distinguished by the tendency to
pursue unusually narrow and specific topics of interest. Individuals may also exhibit repetitive, stereotypical
physical movements, such as flapping or rocking motions.
Asperger’s syndrome is distinguished from high-functioning autism
in that language delays in Asperger’s syndrome tend to be minimal; however, it
is often still included within a comprehensive autism definition.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-
Not Otherwise Specific (PDD-NOS)
Pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
is sometimes called atypical autism. PDD-NOS is a DSM-IV diagnosis for individuals who may not fit all of the
criteria for autism or another pervasive developmental disorder on the spectrum.
Individuals with PDD-NOS often have a lower level of impairment in social
skills and a higher level of functioning than individuals who meet the full
criteria for autism. They may also exhibit a lesser degree of stereotypical or
repetitive behavior.
Many individuals with PDD-NOS have the following
characteristics:
·
Difficulties using and understanding language
·
Difficulty with social behavior
·
A need for routine and an intolerance of changes
in the environment
·
Uneven skill development with higher proficiency
in some areas than others, for example, delayed verbal skills but normal or elevated
spatial reasoning skills
·
Unusual play with toys and other objects
·
Unusual likes and dislikes
The DSM-V, the
most recent diagnostic and statistical manual for psychology and psychiatry,
takes a dimensional approach to constructing a relevant autism definition. The DSM-V uses the term autism spectrum to
encompass the three related disorders: autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive
developmental disorder- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Although these
conditions are distinct from one another, they are closely related, and
considered to lie along a spectrum of types of verbal and social dysfunction.
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