3.WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ASD?

            Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are classified as a group of conditions that vary on a continuum, also referred to as the “spectrum”. ASDs are neural development disorders that cause substantial impairments in social interaction and communication and are associated with unusual behaviors and interests.There are 3 types of ASD, they are

• Autistic Disorder/Autism
• Asperger Syndrome/Disorder
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified(PDD-NOS)
  

AUTISTIC DISORDER/AUTISM

             In Autistic Disorder, or Autism, the impairments in the social and communication areas are severe and sustained and present before the age of three years (although they may not receive a diagnosis by this age). There is likely to be a restricted range of activities and interests. Autism is sometimes referred to as classic autism. Speech delay is a core feature of Autism. Individuals with Autism may also have an intellectual disability.

ASPERGER SYNDROME/DISORDER

There can be severe and sustained social impairments, but impairments are not as severe in the communication area and language generally develops at the typical age. However, individuals may still have difficulties with the unwritten rules of communication (e.g. turn‐taking, engaging in conversation, literal interpretations). There is likely to be a restricted range of activities and interests. The impairments seem less obvious in the very young child, and become more apparent when the individual is in pre-schoolers school. 

PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER – NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED (PDD‐NOS)

           People who meet some of the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperser syndrome, but not all, may be diagnosed with PDD-NOS. People with PDD-NOS(also called "atypical autism") usually have fewer and milder symptoms than those with autistic disorder.  The symptoms might cause only social and communication challenges.