Autistic Disorder
Severely disordered verbal and non-verbal language; unusual behaviors.
Asperger’s Syndrome
Relatively good verbal language, with “milder” non-verbal language problems; restricted range of interests and relatedness.
PDD-NOS
Non-verbal language problems not meeting strict criteria for other PDD disorders.
Rett’s Disorder*
Rare neurodegenerative disorder of girls.
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder*
Neurologists are scratching their head on this one, and assume psychiatrists mean neurodegenerative disorders.
*In common practice, the diseases of Rett’s Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder are considered medical disorders and are not usually considered part of the “Autistic Spectrum Disorders.”
(2) Other Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Meanwhile, the rest of the world has extended the spectrum beyond those conditions discussed in DSM-IV to include other “Autistic Spectrum Disorders.” These are:
Semantic Pragmatic Communication Disorder
Delay and trouble with the use of language (both semantic and pragmatic), but socialization relatively spared.
Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities
Trouble integrating information in 3 areas: non-verbal difficulties causing the child to miss the major gestalt in language; spatial perception problems; and motoric coordination problems.
High Functioning Autism
For some authors, synonymous with Asperger’s; for others, implies milder autism without retardation.
Hyperlexia
Most notable for incredible rote reading skills starting at an early age.
Some aspects of ADHD
Impulse and control difficulties in ADHD may lead to trouble showing their empathy.
10 Dec 2009, 1:21 pm
