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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a neurological disorder that affect a child’s ability to communicate, understand language, play and relate to others. ASD includes Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger's Syndrome. Each of these disorders has specific diagnostic criteria as outlined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in its Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).

Approximately 1 in 150 births are affected by ASDT (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005). This means that as many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have an Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism is typically diagnosed by three years of age; however, researchers are currently working to detect the signs and symptoms of Autism at the earliest age possible. By detecting Autism at a young age, children can gain earlier access to intervention services.

A child  with Autism may have difficulty with social behaviors such as eye contact, the use of spoken words, may use gestures to enhance verbal communication, may use repetitive and stereotypical behaviors such as flapping the hands or persistently repeating words or phrases. Children with Asperger's Syndrome may have difficulties with social interaction, understanding social conventions, social use of language. For example, they may be overly talkative, be overly focused on topics of their special interest, fail to give important background information because they have problems judging their listener’s informational needs, and so on. They may also exhibit the repetitive behaviors, unusual and intense interests, and be resistant to change. They typically acquire their language milestones on time, and have normal to superior cognitive abilities.

Children who do not meet the full criteria for autism or Asperger's Syndrome may receive a diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).