Autism and the DSM

Autism is a form of PDD or Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Autism is not PDD but falls under the umbrella of PDD. There are many disorders under this umbrella. Those disorders are basically broken down into two branches. One branch is Autistic disorder and the other branch is non-autistic Pervasive Developmental Delays. This branch can contain Aspergers Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Rhett Syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and PDD not otherwise specified (NOS).

All of this information is spelled out in the current edition of the DSM. DSM stands for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of mental disorders. The current one is the DSM IV because it is the fourth edition. This book is currently being updated and a lot of parents and professionals are concerned about what the new DSM will look like for children with Autism. The factor that seems to cross all of the disorders under PDD is developmental language disorders.

Many factors are thought to contribute to pervasive developmental disorders, although no one is positive. Some of these causes may be but are not limited to genetics and certain immunizations received as a child.

Other things that may contribute to PDD are risk factors. The biggest risk factors are related to labor and delivery. Risk factors related to pregnancy are drugs and alcohol. Risk factors during labor and deliver could be lack of oxygen till the first breath or damage to the brain.

One thing that does not cause Autism is how a child is treated. No evidence leads to any theory pertaining to the manner of being treated. It does not matter if treatment is what is considered really bad or really good either. Maltreated and malnourished children to someone not educated about Autism may seem to lead to Autism but is does not.

At times children with cognitive disabilities do things that resemble Autism, but not all children with cognitive disabilities have autism or PDD. Regardless of the diagnosis a child should be loved and supported. This will give the child the chance to thrive to their capabilities.

Would you like more free information? Please register here: http://autismonabudget.blogspot.com/2009/12/free-information.html. Mylinda Elliott is the parent of five children. The third of the five has Autism which was diagnosed early on. The fourth of the five children has Aspergers. She is a self taught expert on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Mylinda Elliott has also worked professionally in the disability world for the past fifteen years. She is considered the "Go To" woman for advice or resources on disabilities.

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