Autism
is a brain disorder that typically affects a person's ability to communicate,
form relationships with others, and respond appropriately to the environment.
Some people with autism are relatively high-functioning, with speech and
intelligence intact. Others are mentally retarded, mute, or have serious
language delays. For some, autism makes them seem closed off and shut down;
others seem locked into repetitive behaviors and rigid patterns of thinking.
Although people with autism do not have exactly the same symptoms and deficits,
they tend to share certain social, communication, motor, and sensory problems
that affect their behavior in predictable ways. The primary symptoms that
distinguish autism are:
- poor or limited social relationships
- underdeveloped communication skills
- repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities.
Source: National Institute of
Mental Health, Publication 97-4023, Autism
The DSM-IV (1994) places Autism in the category of
Pervasive Developmental Disorder. The newest diagnostic categories reflect
our improved understanding of the range of autistic-type disorders, retaining
"classic autism" (a historically rare disorder), and adding the related
disorders of Rett's Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative
Disorder. Classic autism is usually apparent from infancy, and often includes
severe restriction of language development. See the related terms in the box
above to learn the distinguishing characteristics of the other autism-spectrum
disorders.
Related Resources:
MEDLINE Plus Health Information - Autism
MEDLINE Plus
is a health information resource from the National Institute of Health.
About Autism/PDD
Additional
resources for parents of children with autistic spectrum disorders.
Elsewhere on the Web:
DSM-IV Diagnostic
Criteria - Autistic Disorder
What the professionals
use to diagnose this disorder.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder/Autistic
Disorder Links
About Parenting of K-6 Children Subjects
related to PDD/Autism.
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