Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is a complex neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain and, in particular, the processing of social information.
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
The main types of Autism are
1. Autistic Disorder: These have problems in socialisation, communication, and restricted patterns of behaviours and interests.
2. Asperger’s Disorder: These have problems in two areas: socialisation and restricted patterns of interests.
3, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): Children have problems in socialisation and one of the two other areas: communication or restricted patterns of behaviors and interests.
For detailed understanding of the characteristics read the Signs and Symptoms of Autism
Do the characteristics stay the same throughout their life?
ASDs are considered a developmental disability, meaning they impact development and continue throughout the person’s life. However, this does not mean that the symptoms will remain the same across the lifespan. The characteristics of ASD can change throughout the person’s life as they grow and develop areas of skill and interest.
With individualised therapy and effective support, symptoms of ASD are managed to ensure the person leads a happy and productive life. However, the diagnosis of ASD will not ‘disappear’ or cease to be accurate.
Does ASD always signify intellectual disability?
While a large number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder have a co‐occurring intellectual disability, there are many individuals with ASD who are of average or above average intelligence. They may score below average in some areas of cognitive ability, such as non‐verbal skills or adaptive behaviour skills, but score in the average range or above average in others, for example working memory or verbal comprehension.
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