THREE CATEGORIES

OF AUTISM

Autistic disorder.
This is what most
people think of when they
hear the word "autism." It
refers to problems with
social interactions,
communication, and
imaginative play in
children younger than 3
years.

Pervasive Developmental
Disorder (PDD).
a typical autism or believe it to be a
milder form of autism spectrum disorder.
The child is high-functioning like a person
with Asperger syndrome but is
experiencing mild cognitive issues and/or
language delay that would prevent an
Asperger diagnosis

The child is similar to a person with Autism

but symptoms began at a late age.
The child has many symptoms of Autism
but has fewer perseverative behaviors
than those with an Autism diagnosis

Common features of PDDNOS?

Children with PDD-NOS may exhibit some of the
following features:
Social and Emotional:
Poor social skills
Experience difficulties interacting meaningfully.
Reluctant to give eye contact.
Lacks an understanding of issues from another
persons point of view social empathy.

Language and Communication

Difficulty understandingor usingappropriate
forms of communication including verbal
language, body language, facial expression,
tone of voice and gestures.
Difficulty in developing and understanding other
forms of communication, such as gestural
systems or picture-based systems.
Limited or no speech and/or lack typical
communicative gestures.

Adaptation to the Environment

Finds it very difficult to interpret and process
new information.
Small changes to routine, activity or
surroundings may cause stress and anxiety.
Has difficulty coping with change.
May avoid strangers or new activities due to fear
and anxiety.
Develops routines and rituals and may stay
involved with them for long periods or be upset if
interrupted.

Cognitive
May have learning difficulties.
May have poor memory and attention span
resulting in difficulty persisting with activities.
Requires repetition of instructions or directions
and may require time to process before
responding or acting.
May have difficulty understanding concepts such
as turn taking, sharing or how to enter into play
situations.

Asperger Syndrome
Asperger syndrome was generally considered to
be on the high functioning end of the spectrum.
Have difficulty with social interactions and exhibit
a restricted range of repetitive behaviors.
Motor development may be delayed, leading to
clumsiness or uncoordinated motor movements.

 Compared with those affected by other

forms of ASD, however, those with
Asperger syndrome do not have
significant delays or difficulties in language
or cognitive development. Some even
demonstrate precocious vocabulary
often in a highly specialized field of
interest.

Symptoms during childhood

Not pick up on social cues and may lack inborn
social skills, such as being able to read others'
body language, start or maintain a conversation,
and take turns talking.
Dislike any changes in routines.
Avoid eye contact or stare at others.
Have unusual facial expressions or postures.

Symptoms during
adolescent and teen years
Your teen with Asperger's syndrome (like other
teens) will want friends but may feel shy or
intimidated when approaching other teens. He or
she may feel "different" from others. Although most
teens place emphasis on being and looking "cool,"
teens with Asperger's may find it frustrating and
emotionally draining to try to fit in. They may be
immature for their age and be naive and too
trusting, which can lead to teasing and bullying.

Symptoms in adulthood
Adults usually have a better
understanding of their own strengths and
weaknesses. They are able to learn social
skills, including how to read others' social
cues. Many people with Asperger's
syndrome marry and have children.