Autism

Frequently Asked Questions about Autism, Asperger's, PDD, PDD-NOS

1. What are Pervasive Developmental Disorders?

The diagnostic category of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Parents may note symptoms as early as infancy, although the typical age of onset is before 3 years of age. Symptoms may include problems with using and understanding language; difficulty relating to people, objects, and events; unusual play with toys and other objects; difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings, and repetitive body movements or behavior patterns. Autism (a developmental brain disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication skills, and a limited range of activities and interests) is the most characteristic and best studied PDD. Other types of PDD include Asperger's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Syndrome. Children with PDD vary widely in abilities, intelligence, and behaviors. Some children do not speak at all, others speak in limited phrases or conversations, and some have relatively normal language development. Repetitive play skills and limited social skills are generally evident. Unusual responses to sensory information, such as loud noises and lights, are also common.

For more information on PDD, see these resources:

2. What is Autism

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder, generally evident by age 3, affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction. Autism is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain. People with autism frequently exhibit the following characteristics to varying degrees: difficulty communicating, problems with social interaction, unusual play with toys and objects, repetitive behaviors, and difficulty adjusting to changes in routine or environment.

To learn more about Autism, try these resources:

3. How does Asperger’s syndrome differ from autism?

Asperger’s syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder that affects the way a person communicates and relates to others. People with Asperger’s syndrome generally have better language skills than children with autism, are "high functioning," and are of average or above average intelligence. Concrete and literal thinking and an obsession with certain topics often characterize this syndrome. Children with Asperger’s syndrome may not receive a diagnosis immediately, since they frequently develop speech at an average rate.

To learn more, see these Asperger's resources:

4. What is PDD-NOS?

Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) was introduced to classify individuals showing problems and disabilities related to autism but that fall short of the number of characteristics or range of impaired areas that is required for a definition of autism. 

A child could have a diagnosis of PDD-NOS if he shows only 5 of the 12 characteristics listed under autism or if he has more than 6 characteristics spread over the 3 areas but only 1 in the social area. Another way to think of PDD-NOS is as a subthreshold autism or a child who has atypical symptoms that do not quite fit with the 12 characteristics one assesses under autism.

For more information on PDD-NOS, see this resource:

Autism and Education Issues

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)

ECI is a statewide program for families with children, birth to three, with disabilities and developmental delays. ECI supports families to help their children reach their potential through developmental services. Services are provided by a variety of local agencies and organizations across Texas.

State and federally funded through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, P.L. 108-446), ECI provides evaluations and assessments, at no cost to families, to determine eligibility and need for services. Families and professionals work as a team to plan appropriate services based on the unique needs of the child and family. ECI asks families who can afford to do so, to share in the cost of services. The amount a family pays for ECI services is determined using a sliding fee scale and is based on family size and income after allowable deductions. No child and family will be turned away because of an inability to pay. For more infuriation visit: http://www.dars.state.tx.us/ecis/ or call 1-800-628-5115.

Special Education

Transition

  • Autism: Challenges Related to Secondary Transition*

  • Transition to Middle School for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders - Transition from elementary to middle school is stressful for any student but the process can be even more challenging for the student with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and for his or her parents. Many things will be different. Full article>

Support Resources

Autism Support Groups

Web sites

ASPIE - Asperger's Syndrome Parent-Professional Information Exchange
http://www.aspieinfo.com/
ASPIE is a parent and professional support group serving the Greater Houston area that was created to provide information sharing and support to the many families and professionals who live and work with individuals with Asperger's Syndrome.

Autism Society of America
www.autism-society.org
ASA is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact. The Society and its chapters share a common mission of providing information and education, and supporting research and advocating for programs and services for the autism community.

Autism Web
www.autismweb.com
AutismWeb is run by parent volunteers and branches into separate areas about the definitions of each autism spectrum disorder, warning signs, education, diet, recommended readings, news, conferences, and how to find resources within your community.

Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research
http://www.educ.ttu.edu/EDSP/burkhartproject/
The Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research provides research-based programming to enhance the quality of life for families and students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Additionally, the center studies and disseminates best practice methods for transitioning individuals with autism spectrum disorders from secondary school to adulthood.

D.A.N.I.S.H. Dallas Asperger Network for Information, Support and Help
http://www.aspergerinfo.org/
D.A.N.I.S.H. is a support group for families struggling with Asperger Syndrome (AS). We welcome parents and guardians of children of all ages with AS.  Our purpose is to meet and share information, especially with regard to resources for AS and related disorders in the Dallas area.

FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) - Houston
www.feathouston.org/
FEAT-Houston, Inc is a non-profit corporation. On this site you will be able to find out information about Autism, ABA Treatment and support groups in the Houston and Texas area.

First Signs
www.firstsigns.org
First Signs, Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to educating parents and pediatric professionals about the early warning signs of autism and other developmental disorders.

MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome
www.asperger.org
MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information and advice to families of More advanced individuals with Autism, Asperger syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD).

Oasis - Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support
www.aspergersyndrome.org

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