Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life.  The results of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, Autism impacts the normal developmental of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.  Children and adults with Autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activies

Autism is one of the 5 disorders coming under the umbrella of Perviasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), a category of neurological disorders characterized by "severe and pervasive impairment in several areas the development" including social interaction and communications skills.  The 5 disorders under PDD are Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett's Disorder and PDD-not other specified.  Each of these disorders has specific dignostic criteria.

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info from: Autism Society of America