Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders

Many terms – including autism spectrum and pervasive developmental disorders – are used to describe a group of disorders that inhibit the development of communication and socialization skills. In some children the disorder may also affect the development of fine and gross motor ability. It may range from being severe on one end, with the severely autistic child who is developmentally delayed and who is unable to function independently, to an individual with Asperger Syndrome who has difficulties with social function but who otherwise functions well intellectually and at work.