Autism and Aspergers - 04-10-2007, 08:07 AM (taken from
Wikipedia) Autism is classified by the World Health Organization
(WHO) and American Psychological Association as a developmental
disability that results from a disorder of the human central
nervous system. It is diagnosed using specific criteria for
impairments to social interaction, communication, interests,
imagination and activities. The causes, symptoms, etiology,
treatment, and other issues are controversial. Autism manifests
itself "before the age of three years" according to the WHO's
International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) Children with
autism are marked by delays in their "social interaction,
language as used in social communication, or symbolic or
imaginative play" (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders). Autism, and the other four pervasive developmental
disorders (PDD), are all considered to be neurodevelopmental
disorders. They are diagnosed on the basis of a triad, or group
of three behavioral impairments or dysfun