Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills.
Asperger syndrome (is similar to autism, but with normal language development). Asperger syndrome is often considered a high functioning form of autism. It can lead to difficulty interacting socially, repeat behaviors, and clumsiness. Individuals with Asperger Syndrome do not usually have a delay in spoken language development. However, they can have serious deficits in social and communication skills. People with this neurobiological disorder often have repetitive and ritualistic routines, as well as preoccupations with a particular subject matter.
Pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), also called atypical autism. Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), also known as "atypical autism", PDD/NOS is a diagnosis often considered for children who show some symptoms of autism but who do not meet the specific diagnostic criteria for the other Pervasive Developmental Disorders.
Rett syndrome (very different from autism, and almost always occurs in females), is genetic in origin. Individuals with Rett Syndrome generally develop normally until 6 to 18 months of age, at which point a developmental regression is observed. This regression is followed by a deceleration of head growth, loss of purposeful hand movements, and followed by the appearance of midline, stereotypic hand movements. In addition, social, language, motor, and cognitive skills may be severely impaired.
Childhood disintegrative disorder (rare condition where a child learns skills, then loses them by age 10) Also known as "regressive autism," children with Childhood Disintegrative Disorder typically develop normally for two to four years before developing a condition that resembles autism. Typically language, interest in the social environment, and often toileting and self-care abilities are lost, and there may be a general loss of interest in the environment.
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