What are Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are lifelong developmental
disabilities characterised by marked difficulties in social
interaction, impaired communication, restricted and repetitive
interests and behaviours, and sensory sensitivities. The word
“spectrum” is used because the range and severity of the
difficulties people with an ASD experience can vary widely.
ASDs include autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder and
pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified,
which is also known as atypical autism.
Studies show 1 in 160Australians have an ASD and that it is
more prevalent in males than females. The effects of an ASD
can often be minimised by early diagnosis and with the right
interventions, many children and adults with an ASD show
marked improvements.
The SCDC conducts comprehensive evidence-based
assessments for autism spectrum disorder in children,
adolescents and adults. The assessment process includes:
Children and adolescents who have already been diagnosed
with autism can also be referred to the SCDC for review
assessments at times of transition and for cognitive or
developmental assessments.
What are the different types of ASD?
The term ASD is an umbrella description which refers to three
different diagnoses. Regardless of the specific diagnosis
given, individuals with an ASD will experience difficulties in
many different social situations such as school and work.
impairments in social interaction and communication as well as
restricted and repetitive interests, activities and behaviours
which are generally evident prior to three years of age.
(sometimes referred to as Asperger’s syndrome)
Individuals with Asperger’s disorder have difficulties with social
interaction and social communication as well as restricted and
repetitive interests, activities and behaviours. Individuals with
Asperger’s disorder do not have a significant delay in early
language acquisition and there is no significant delay in
cognitive abilities or self help skills. Asperger’s is often
detected later than autistic disorder as speech usually
develops at the expected age.
individual has a marked social impairment but fails to meet full
criteria for either autistic disorder or Asperger’s disorder.
These individuals may also have communication impairments
and/or restricted and repetitive interests, activities and
behaviours.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are lifelong developmental
disabilities characterised by marked difficulties in social
interaction, impaired communication, restricted and repetitive
interests and behaviours, and sensory sensitivities. The word
“spectrum” is used because the range and severity of the
difficulties people with an ASD experience can vary widely.
ASDs include autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder and
pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified,
which is also known as atypical autism.
Studies show 1 in 160Australians have an ASD and that it is
more prevalent in males than females. The effects of an ASD
can often be minimised by early diagnosis and with the right
interventions, many children and adults with an ASD show
marked improvements.
The SCDC conducts comprehensive evidence-based
assessments for autism spectrum disorder in children,
adolescents and adults. The assessment process includes:
- Full cognitive assessment examining: intellectual
abilities, learning issues, language screening, and
executive functioning - Comprehensive parent interview using the Autism
Diagnostic Interview - Formal observation using the Autism Diagnostic
Observation Schedule - informal observation in natural settings (preschool,
school) where possible - A feedback session outlining the assessment outcomes,
including an opportunity for questioning and clarification - Recommendations for intervention and follow-up
- Comprehensive written report
Children and adolescents who have already been diagnosed
with autism can also be referred to the SCDC for review
assessments at times of transition and for cognitive or
developmental assessments.
What are the different types of ASD?
The term ASD is an umbrella description which refers to three
different diagnoses. Regardless of the specific diagnosis
given, individuals with an ASD will experience difficulties in
many different social situations such as school and work.
- Autistic disorder (sometimes referred to as classic
autism)
impairments in social interaction and communication as well as
restricted and repetitive interests, activities and behaviours
which are generally evident prior to three years of age.
(sometimes referred to as Asperger’s syndrome)
Individuals with Asperger’s disorder have difficulties with social
interaction and social communication as well as restricted and
repetitive interests, activities and behaviours. Individuals with
Asperger’s disorder do not have a significant delay in early
language acquisition and there is no significant delay in
cognitive abilities or self help skills. Asperger’s is often
detected later than autistic disorder as speech usually
develops at the expected age.
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not
Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) (atypical autism)
individual has a marked social impairment but fails to meet full
criteria for either autistic disorder or Asperger’s disorder.
These individuals may also have communication impairments
and/or restricted and repetitive interests, activities and
behaviours.
| Sydney Cognitive Development Centre |
| Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
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| Sydney Cognitive Development Centre |
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