Spectrum

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurobehavioral disorder caused by a dysfunction in the central nervous system, which leads to developmental difficulties within the first three years of life in the following areas:

• Qualitative impairment in communication
• Qualitative impairment in social interaction
• Restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities

These symptoms vary in intensity for each child, which is why it is also referred to as autism spectrum disorder. Autism falls within the DSM-IV diagnostic category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) which also includes Aspergers Syndrome and PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).