Year: 2013
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: Autism is a behaviourally defined developmental disorder characterised by impairments in social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviours [1]. Abnormalities in these three developmental areas tend to cluster together in affected individuals. In DSM-IV, Autism is part of a larger continuum of disorders collectively called Pervasive Developmental Disor‐ ders. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) refer to Autism, Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified, and Asperger syndrome. All individuals with ASDs have qualitative abnormalities of social development in combination with disorders of communication and/or stereotyped repetitive interests and behaviors. The social skills that develop naturally in typ‐ ically-developing children do not do so in children with ASD. In addition, there are several behaviors and co-morbid symptoms that relate to each of the three classical impairments. Re‐ cent studies have reported rates of co-occurring intellectual disability in the range of 25-50%. Neither developmental delay nor cognitive impairment are required for an ASD diagnosis.
Source: InTech eBooks
DOI: 10.5772/54854
Authors: Michael Gill, Graham Kenny, Richard Anney
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W1557617769