Autism

1. Autism

2. Asperger's Syndrome

3. Pervasive Developmental Disorders-Specified (PDD-NOS

4. Rhett's Disorder

5. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

These are life long disabilites characterzied by impairments in communication, learning and reciprocal socail interactions. It typically becomes evident in infancy or early childhood.

Characteristics Include:

• Impairment in social interaction such as marked lsack of awareness or feelings of others, obnormal or no social play, inability to make friends.
• Impairment in verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Restricted repertoire of activities and interests such as stereotypical body movement, persistent occupation with an object or parts of an object, and marked distress over trivial changes.