What causes autism?
Autism is a lifelong problem with a number of possible causes, including but not limited to:
- genetic problems or syndromes
- severe infections that affect the brain (meningitis, celiac disease, encephalitis, etc.)
- exposure to toxins or illness during pregnancy (rubella, chemicals, etc.)
How common is autism?
Statistics about autism vary. There is controversy surrounding some reports. See ASHA's report Communication Facts: Special Populations: Autism for more information.
What other disorders are similar to autism?
Autism is often referred to as autism spectrum disorders. Severity and signs and symptoms vary greatly from person to person. Other terms are used to describe disorders that are similar to or even part of autism spectrum disorders. These disorders are typically included under the term pervasive developmental disorder.
Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)
PDD is sometimes used to describe any group of developmental disorders that affect social skills and communication. PDD is used by some people to refer to autism, although the difference between the two is under debate. PDD may refer to any of five diagnoses:
- Autistic disorder (autism)
- Asperger's syndrome – severe and sustained problems with social skills, with repetitive behaviors and restricted interests and activities. Language skills tend to be good, although social communication may be affected.
- Rett's disorder – a progressive brain disorder that occurs almost only in girls. Children tend to develop normally for a period of time followed by loss of skills, especially hand skills, which are replaced by repetitive hand movements. Symptoms begin between the ages of 1 and 4 years old. Poor eye contact, a lag in brain and head growth, problems walking, language problems, and seizures are also symptoms.
- Childhood disintegrative disorder – a rare condition that occurs without a known medical cause. Typically children have at least 2 years of typical development before the beginnings of severe loss of skills in a number of areas, such as language, social skills, play, or motor skills. This disorder is associated with severe cognitive impairment.
- Pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) – an overall delay in development of communication and social skills that does not fit into another category and does not have a known cause.
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