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’re also likely to have fixed or repeated behaviours and very little change in their day-to-day activities. Many people with ASDs have unusual or unorthodox ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to different sensations. ASDs begin during childhood and last throughout a person's life.
~ Source: Centre for Disease Control and Disease Prevention www.cdc.gov
Classic Autism
Autism is a complex disability resulting from a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain. It typically appears during the first three years of a person’s life. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls, spanning all racial, ethnic, social, family income, lifestyle, and formal education level sectors.
Autism skews the typical development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. They find it hard to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviour may present itself. People with autism may:
- Exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking)
- Have unusual responses to people
- Have strong attachments to inanimate objects
- Demonstrate resistance to changes in routine.
Some people with autism may also experience sensitivities in sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
~ Source: Autism Society Ontario http://www.autismsociety.on.ca/
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Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)
Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) are a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of basic socialization and communication skills. Parents may notice symptoms as early as infancy, although the typical age PDD onset is before or around 3 years of age.
Some of the symptoms include:
- Problems using and understanding language
- Difficulty relating to people, objects, and events
- Unusual play with toys and other objects
- Difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings
- Repetitive body movements or behaviour patterns.
Children with PDD vary widely in abilities, intelligence, and behaviours. The most prevalent symptoms are the repetitive play skills and limited social skills. Often the child will display unusual responses to sensory information like noises and lights.
~ Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
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Pervasive Developmental Disorder- NOS (not otherwise specified)
This is a diagnosis given to a child who seems to display the typical signs of developmental impairment (challenged by reciprocal social interaction and verbal/non-verbal communication etc.) but does not meet the criteria for any specific pervasive developmental disorder.
~ Source: Council for Exceptional Children http://www.cec.sped.org/
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Asperger Syndrome
Asperger Syndrome (AS) also falls into the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) group. People with AS seem to be unaware of the basic rules of social interaction. People with Asperger’s Syndrome seem to be unaware of the unwritten rules of social interactions and may come across as rude or aggressive . It’s difficult for them to make and/or keep friends. They expect you to know their thoughts and experiences but have great difficulty reading or understanding. They interpret things very literally and follow "rules" rigidly. Sudden changes in routine or expectations can cause them great distress. They may also have an unusual sensitivity to loud noises, crowds, tastes and smells. They may obsess or focus on little things like the labels on clothing or the seams on their socks.
People with AS may read well but not comprehend much -- unless it’s their area of interest. They often struggle with writing and other cognitive skills.
~ Source: Asperger’s Society of Ontario www.aspergers.ca
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