Autism Spectrum Disorders commonly known as ASD’s refers collectively to a group of three (3) disorders classified under the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders in the DSMIV-R. They include:
Autistic Disorder (classic Autism)
Asperger's Syndrome
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
These three conditions have similar characteristics in that they affect a child’s behavior, social, and communication skills, but differ in the age of onset and severity of symptoms. Approximately 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with an ASD.