This is an old revision of this page, as edited by SandyGeorgia (talk | contribs) at 05:38, 10 August 2007 (→Autistic spectrum and pervasive developmental disorders: section is uncited). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 05:38, 10 August 2007 by SandyGeorgia (talk | contribs) (→Autistic spectrum and pervasive developmental disorders: section is uncited)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) (sometimes referred to as autism spectrum or autistic spectrum) are classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) as five pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) characterized by widespread abnormalities of social interactions and communication, as well as severely restricted interests and highly repetitive behavior.
Autism is one of the five autism spectrum disorders. Of the other four autism spectrum disorders, Asperger's syndrome is closest to autism in signs and likely causes; Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder share several signs with autism but may have unrelated causes; finally, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) is diagnosed when the criteria are not met for a more specific disorder. Unlike autism, Asperger's has no significant delay in language development. The terminology of autism can be bewildering, with autism, Asperger's, and PDD-NOS sometimes called the autistic disorders, whereas autism itself is often called autistic disorder, childhood autism, or infantile autism. ASD in turn is a subset of the broader autism phenotype (BAP), which describes individuals who may not have ASD but do have some autistic-like traits, such as avoiding eye contact.
One review estimated a prevalence of at least 1.3 per 1,000 for autism and 6.0–6.5 per 1,000 for ASD; PDD-NOS was the vast majority of ASD, Asperger's was about 0.3 per 1,000 and the atypical forms childhood disintegrative disorder and Rett syndrome were much rarer.
Autistic spectrum and pervasive developmental disorders
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In practice, autistic spectrum disorder and pervasive developmental disorder are synonymous, but making a distinction is valuable. PDD refers to those psychological and behavioral developmental disorders encompassing many areas of functioning: language and communication, self-help skills, motor coordination, executive function, and scholastic achievement. The nosological category of pervasive developmental disorders includes syndromes that may be etiologically unrelated to autism, with autistic-like behavior being only one part of the disorder: Rett's syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder.
Autistic traits
Behaviorally, certain characteristics identify the autism spectrum. The type, severity and/or number of autistic traits present determines the severity of autism in the individual. These autistic traits may be beneficial for some disciplines like science, mathematics, engineering and computer programming. Some autistic individuals might show a marked proficiency in rote memorization which may help learn the foundation of these subjects; however, the exceptionally good aptitude (in these subjects) of high functioning autistic spectrum persons may be due to their ability to readily identify patterns and apply them consistently to new situations outside of established knowledge or teaching. These savant skills, although popularly considered to be a major part of autistic disorders, are evident only in about 5% of autistic individuals (Klin and Volkmar, 1997).
ADHD and autism
Some research has indicated a possible genetic and behavioral connection between ADHD and autism. As a result, some clinicians have suggested that ADHD be included under the category of autism-spectrum disorders.
Diagnoses of ADHD together with autism spectrum disorder are becoming increasingly common in children. In young children, the two conditions can appear similar. However, as children age, differences emerge between the two conditions. Children with typical autism become more withdrawn, while with a suitable environment hyperactivity reduces. In either event, problems with social skills can develop.
By contrast, children with ADHD rarely calm down with age but often develop social and communication skills to a normal level. Any issues with social skills experienced by children with ADHD may have other causes. Examples include low self-esteem or difficulty with quiet, constructive social interaction.
References
- World Health Organization (2006). "F84. Pervasive developmental disorders". International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (10th ed. (ICD-10) ed.).
{{cite book}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); External link in|chapterurl=|chapterurl=ignored (|chapter-url=suggested) (help) - Lord C, Cook EH, Leventhal BL, Amaral DG (2000). "Autism spectrum disorders" (PDF). Neuron. 28 (2): 355–63. doi:10.1016/S0896-6273(00)00115-X. PMID 11144346.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - American Psychiatric Association (2000). "Diagnostic criteria for 299.80 Asperger's Disorder (AD)". Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text revision (DSM-IV-TR) ed.). ISBN 0890420254.
{{cite book}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); External link in|chapterurl=|chapterurl=ignored (|chapter-url=suggested) (help) - Freitag CM (2007). "The genetics of autistic disorders and its clinical relevance: a review of the literature". Mol Psychiatry. 12 (1): 2–22. doi:10.1038/sj.mp.4001896. PMID 17033636.
- Piven J, Palmer P, Jacobi D, Childress D, Arndt S (1997). "Broader autism phenotype: evidence from a family history study of multiple-incidence autism families" (PDF). Am J Psychiatry. 154 (2): 185–90. PMID 9016266.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - Fombonne E (2005). "Epidemiology of autistic disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders". J Clin Psychiatry. 66 (Suppl 10): 3–8. PMID 16401144.
External links
- Template:Dmoz
- CDC's "Learn the Signs. Act Early.” campaign - Information for parents on early childhood development and developmental disabilities such as autism
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders from ScienceDaily - Latest research news on autism spectrum disorders. Includes searchable archives
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder fact sheets - Fact sheets on diagnosis, early intervention, behaviors, family issues & personal stories, for both parents of a child on the autistic spectrum, and adults on the spectrum.
