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About Autism - The Autism Spectrum

The Autism Spectrum

Autism, part of a group of disorders known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. The disorder is characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behaviours. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. One milder form of the disorder is known as Asperger’s Syndrome. Other developmental disorders that fall under the Autism Spectrum Disorders are Rett Syndrome, PDD NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

What follows are definitions of the various disorders that fall under the Autism Spectrum, how each differs from classic autism, how each is diagnosed, what treatments and interventions best fit, how to cope and how to grow with each diagnosis.

Aspergers Syndrome
PDD-NOS
Rett Syndrome
CDD