1. Definition of terms
Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) termed Pervasive Developmental Disorders [PDDs] in the DSM 4th edition (text revision) DSM-IV-TR
This refers to developmental disorders of varying clinical
presentations that share a core feature of pervasive and
qualitative impairments in reciprocal social interaction.
Source: Carr and Le Blanc, ASDs in Early Childhood, Primary Care Clin Office Pract, 2007

2. Autism or Autistic Disorder
To qualify for a diagnosis, they
must meet 6 criteria
at least 2 in social interaction
one each in communication
and restrictive, repetitive behavior
Notes for Parents :
Good sources on diagnostic criteria:
DSM IV-TR
The World of the Autistic Child by Bryna Siegel , p. 18
Autism Spectrum Disorders by Chantal Sicile –Kira, 2004 p. 21

4. Autism /Autistic Disorder
Substantial social impairment , poor
peer interaction
Moderate to profound language
impairments
Restricted and repetitive behaviors

5. Asperger Syndrome/ Disorder
To qualify for a diagnosis,
there should be at least
2 characteristic criteria in
social interaction
1 characteristic criteria in
restricted, repetitive behavior
* No language delay/cognitive
impairment
Notes for Parents:
Good sources: Asperger Syndrome by Tony Attwood
The Oasis Guide to Asperger Syndrome by
Bashe and Kirby , 2005

6. Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified PDDNOS
This diagnosis is used for “milder” problems.
An individual with PDDNOS may exhibit behavior
similar to those diagnosed with autism or Asperger
Syndrome but does not meet the criteria for one
of these disorders
Food for thought
Some doctors use PDDNOS provisionally when the child
is so young and some criteria are felt too difficult to see

7. The Diagnostic Evaluation Process
Medical Examination
Should be performed by
qualified health professional
* Regression or if with
clinical neurologic
abnormalities like
microcephaly or
neurologic asymmetries
Physical Exam
dysmorphisms
growth
impairments
neurocutaneous
Neurologic exam
neurologic
abnormalities
Laboratory tests
as needed
Genetic tests
High resolution
karyotype
Fragile X
Neurological tests
EEG *
MRI/CT scan *
Newsweek December 4, 2006

8. Screening and Referral
Screening for ASD should be conducted in conjunction with routine developmental surveillance
RED FLAG INDICATORS
No babbling by 12 months
No gestures like pointing, showing, reaching or waving
by 12 months
No words by 16 months
No 2 word meaningful phrases by 24 months
ANY loss of speech, babbling and social skills at ANY age

9. Prevalence Data “One child in 100 in the UK”
“Autism is the fastest growing childhood developmental condition in the USA with 1 child in 166 affected”
US Centre for Disease Control 2004
“One child in 100 in the UK”
Office of National Statistics 2004
Rates for autism in 50 prevalence reports reported 50 to 80 per 10000
Blaxill M.F

10. Increasing prevalence: Is it better detection or better awareness ?
U.S. DATA
Population data
CDC/NCHS
PHILIPPINE DATA
Hospital records
PGH/PCMC

11. THE AUTISTIC SPECTRUM a BEHAVIORAL syndrome
There is a cluster of unusual behavior patterns
“ The triad of impairments”
poor social interaction
poor social communication
restricted activities and interests