Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a broad term that encompasses autism and several other related behavioral disorders. None of these are considered diseases or illnesses, and they are not contagious. Diagnosis of any of the disorders is based on the behaviors that the person exhibits repeatedly, or behavioral patterns. Behavioral treatment programs for each are not dissimilar, and all must be modified to fit the individual's needs.

The spectrum includes autism itself in its classical form and Pervasive Developmental Disorder—Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). PDD-NOS has characteristics that are much like classical autism but usually are less severe, or which perhaps do not cover the full range of autistic behaviors. A somewhat different disorder in the spectrum is Rett's Syndrome. Rett's is only observed in females. The syndrome includes seizures that become more obvious as the girl grows older, and often-severe mental retardation.

Another puzzling autistic diagnosis is Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. In this condition, children display all the signs of normal development during the early years of their lives. Yet suddenly, they begin to regress. They lose the ability to speak and whatever social or other skills they had learned. Within a relatively short time, they are clearly showing some or many autistic behaviors.

Autistic people show a wide range of personality styles. Some of them are quite outgoing and greatly enjoy being in the company of other people. Others will withdraw into their own company or into their own world, venturing out when the right encouragement (for them) is offered. As many as one person in 500 in the United States may have autism or ASD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.