Autism is often referred to as a spectrum disorder, meaning that the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with a diagnosis of autism, can act very differently from one another.
Professionals utilize a diagnostic handbook, the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual now in its fourth edition (DSM-IV). Several
autism-related disorders are grouped under the broad heading
"Pervasive Developmental Disorder" or PDD: Autism, PDD-NOS (pervasive
developmental disorder, not otherwise specified), Asperger's syndrome and Rett's
syndrome. These four diagnoses are used differently by professionals
to describe individuals who manifest some, but not all, of the autism characteristics.
The diagnosis of autism is made when a specified number of characteristics
listed in the DSM-IV are present, in ranges inappropriate for the child's
age. In contrast, a diagnosis of PDD-NOS may be made when a child
exhibits fewer symptoms than in autism, although those symptoms may
be exactly the same as a child with an autism diagnosis. Asperger's and
Rett's syndrome display the most marked differences from autism.
Therefore, most professionals will agree that
there is no standard "type" or "typical" person with
autism. Parents may hear more than one label applied to the same child: autistic-like,
learning disabled with autistic tendencies, high functioning or
lowfunctioning autism. These labels don't describe differences between the
children as much as they indicate differences between the professionals'
training, vocabulary, and exposure to autism.
The differences in children's behaviors are often
very subtle. Each diagnosis relies on observation of the child and the whether
or not the professional is well educated on autism will certainly affect which
label is used. Many professionals believe that the distinction between autism
and PDD-NOS is not significant. Some believe they are "sparing" the
parents by giving a diagnosis of PDD-NOS rather than autism. Many professionals
still argue whether or not Asperger's is really a form of autism. What is most
important to understand is that whatever the autism diagnosis, children are
likely to benefit from similar approaches to education and treatment.
From the Autism Society of America's web page [http://www.autism-society.org] entitled 'What is Autism?"
developed and maintained on
behalf of the ASA by Catriona Johnson & Ben Dorman.
Autism Society of America, 7910 Woodmont Ave, Suite 650, Bethesda, MD 20814-3015
tel: 1-800-3AUTISM (301) 657-0881; fax: (301)
657-0869.
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Important Disclaimer
This site as well as many others linked to it are produced by laypeople who are concerned about Autism and Autism's impact on our loved ones. We are not physicians, attorneys or therapists. We do not endorse any product or therapy, and no link on this site should be considered such an endorsement. Please take proper care in evaluating any advice or information you read on this site or anywhere on the net. Check with your doctor before trying any new treatment, and keep in mind two things: 1) All People with Autism are different and respond to various treatments accordingly, and 2) The person giving the advice, although sincere in their intent, may be wrong.