Autism

Autism is one of the five disorders that fall under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association. Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders include Asperger's Syndrome, Rett's Syndrome Childhood Disintegrative Disorders and Pervasive Developmental Disorders not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).

Individuals with autism have differences in the areas of communication, behavior, and social interaction. In addition, many individuals also experience sensory processing and regulation issues. Autism is a spectrum disorder because the severity of difference in each of these areas vary in each individual. Four times the number of boys than girls are diagnosed with autism.

Autism affects individuals without regard to race, religion, or socio-economic status. It is currently estimated that 2 to 6 per 1,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Autism is the second leading and fastest growing childhood developmental disorder. Given appropriate support and education, individuals with autism can learn and lead productive and successful lives.