Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder is the term that is currently used to describe the broad range of pervasive developmental disorders. These disorders include Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Rett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). The Autism spectrum disorders involve impairments in reciprocal social interaction and communication and the presence of restricted, stereotyped, and repetitive interests and behaviors. The specific criteria for each of the Autism spectrum disorders are described in this chapter. Symptoms of Autism include impairments in the broad domains of social interaction, play, language and communication, and a restrictive range of interests and activities. Impairments in symbolic play, language, and communication skills are present at an early age in individuals with Autism. Brain regions hypothesized to be affected due to Autism include the cerebellum, temporal lobe areas, the prefrontal cortex, and the inferior parietal cortex.
