Autism Spectrum Disorders/Pervasive Developmental Disorders

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Let's take a lcoser look at these interestign questions!

1. What is Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)?

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities that are caused by an abnormality in the brain. People with ASDs tend to have problems with social and communication skills. They also are likely to repeat certain behaviors and to not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASDs also have unusual ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations. ASDs begin during childhood and last throughout a person's life.The following question and answer section will help you learn more about ASDs (Reber & Batshaw, 1997).

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), also known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs), cause severe and pervasive impairment in thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others. These disorders are usually first diagnosed in early childhood and range from a severe form, called autistic disorder, through pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), to a much milder form, Asperger syndrome. They also include two rare disorders, Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder (For more about Autism see http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/autism/symptoms.shtml).

2. What are some of the symptoms of ASDs?

As the name "autism spectrum disorder" says, ASDs cover a wide range of behaviors and abilities. People who have ASDs, like all people, differ greatly in the way they act and what they can do. No two people with ASDs will have the same symptoms. A symptom might be mild in one person and severe in another person. Some examples ...