Autism

A group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and challenges with social communication and interaction. Skill deficits and challenges associated with ASD will vary greatly from child to child.Includes social, communication, and behavioral challenges.

Includes 3 Levels

LEVEL 1

Requiring Support

Repetitive behaviors:

challenges with initiating social interactions, the individual appears to have decreased interest in social interactions.

LEVEL 2

Social Communication

Requiring Substantial Support:

Challenges with the initiation of social interactions, and reduced or abnormal responses to social overtures from others
Inflexibility of behavior
Distress changing focus or attention

LEVEL 3

Requiring very Substantial

Support

Severest Level:

Severe deficits in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills, very limited initiation of social interactions, and minimal response to social overtures from others
The inflexibility of behavior, or repetitive behaviors with functioning in all spheres
Distress/difficulty changing focus or action

5 Main Classifications

Autism

May be classified as having challenges with communication and interaction with other people, repetitive behaviors and symptoms

Rett Syndrome

Brain disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls, symptoms include the development of language, communication, learning, and coordination challenges.

Asperger's syndrome

Developmental disorder, impairment in language and communication skills, as well as repetitive or restrictive patterns of thought and behavior.

Pervasive Development Disorder

Not Otherwise Specified

(PDD-NOS)

Do not meet the full criteria for having an Autistic Disorder, but share similar behaviors seen in autism.

Symptoms may include delays in language,

understanding emotions and body language, and tone of voice.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Also known as Heller's syndrome is a

rare condition characterized by

late onset of developmental delay and sudden reversal in language, social function, and motor skills.