There is a classification of neurological and behavior diagnosis known
as
the Autism Spectrum. The APA and DSM-IV recognizes one category that
falls
under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pervasive
Developmental
Disorders, and medical professionals have created an expanded category
known
as Other Autistic Spectrum Disorders. There are five disorders placed
under
the Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Some medical professionals have
coined these five disorders as the "official five."
They are Autism,
Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorders – Not Otherwise
Specified (PPD- NOS), Rett's Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative
Disorder. Some professionals believe that Rett's Syndrome and Childhood
Disintegrative Disorder are conditions that should fall strictly under
medical disorders and not behavioral disorders.
Autism, Asperger
Syndrome,
and PPD-NOS are the most diagnosed disorders in this category.
How these disorders relate to one another can be seen in the table
below:
Autism
Verbal and non-verbal language affected.
Unusual behaviors and routine.
Social skills affected
Low to average IQ
Asperger Syndrome
Good verbal skills, lack in other communication skills, restricted
social
interaction, sensory aversions, average to high IQ
PDD- NOS
Non-verbal and verbal skills do not meet the requirement of other PDD
Disorders.
Rett's Disorder
Degenerative disorder of girls. Rare. Difficulty using motor skills.
Mental
retardation.
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Resembles autism, except children with CDD often have normal
development
from the ages of 2 -4.