What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
The Department of Education and Training (DET) recognises the DSM-IV-TR definition of Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and has adopted the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for those conditions that are referred to in the literature as either Pervasive Developmental Disorders or Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
In DET, Autism Spectrum Disorder is a broad term used to describe any of a number of clinically similar, yet distinct medical diagnoses. These include:
- Autistic Disorder,
- Asperger's Disorder,
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder,
- Rett's Disorder,
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
Autism Spectrum Disorders are characterised by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development: reciprocal social interaction skills, communication skills, or the presence of stereotyped behaviour, interests and activities.
Further information on the Department of Education and Training's (DET) disability category of autism spectrum disorder is available on the Education Adjustment Program website.
^ Top of page
Other languages