What is EIIS? EIIS Video EIIS Service Delivery System What is ASD?		Service Provider Parent Resource Package Training Opportunities Regional Evaluation Report
Return to Table of Contents What are Autistic Spectrum Disorders? The term Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a general term referring to a group of disorders described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition (DSM-IV) under the heading Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The term Autistic Spectrum Disorder is interchangeable with Pervasive Developmental Disorder and refers to the following five diagnostic categories: Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Disorder. Each of the disorders within the "spectrum" of ASD shares a range of related characteristics which include impairments in three general areas: Impairments in social interaction - how a child interacts with other people in his or her environment. Impairments in communication - a child's ability to share information and to let other people know what he or she wants or needs. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities - the way a child acts or responds habitually to the world around him. Children along the "autistic spectrum" can fall anywhere on the continuum from the least to the most affected by these impairments and symptoms. Every child is different. As more research into autism is done, we gain a better understanding of the "autistic spectrum" but the tremendous variation in the specific symptoms shown in different children with ASD can make it very difficult to diagnose. Because of this, ASD may be mistaken for deafness, emotional disturbance, language disorder, cognitive delays, or merely delayed development. Autistic Disorder is the most well known of the disorders on the autistic spectrum. Research estimates that Autistic Disorder occurs in approximately 1 or 2 out of every 1000 births. When all the disorders on the autistic spectrum are considered, the estimate rises to approximately 4 or 5 out of every 1000 births1. Based on population statistics for Western Nova Scotia, one would expect approximately 90 children, between birth and six years of age to have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder2. The early identification and diagnosis of ASD is very important. Children who are diagnosed early can receive early intervention that will help them to develop to their greatest potential. Research suggests that interventions should take place as early as possible to provide the most opportunity for progress. 1. Bryson S.E., Clark, B.S., Smith, I.M. First report of a Canadian epidemiological study of autistic syndromes, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 1998, 29: 433-445 2. EIIS Regional Grant Application. Western Nova Scotia (Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby, Annapolis, and Kings Counties. March 2001.

Christina Schulze-Allen - EIIS Regional Coordinator Western Regional CAYAC, P.O. Box 520, Middleton Nova Scotia, B0S 1P0 Email: csa.cyiwg@ns.sympatico.ca	Phone: (902) 825-5377   Fax: (902) 825-5379
Supported by Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre Technical Resource Centre