Psychology 2043A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Autism Spectrum, Leo Kanner, Rett Syndrome

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2043A/B
• Professor: Sarah Smits- Bandstra

Document Summary

Autism prevalence has increased by over 500% since 1992. Rutter in 1996 found that 3 characteristics were always present: failure to develop social. First really studied in 1943 by leo kanner. relationships, language retardation with impaired comprehension, ritualistic or compulsive behaviours. Autism spectrum disorders are a variety of related disorders that affect a child"s social development and ability to communicate and that include unusual behaviour such as repetitive motor movements. The main disorders in the autism spectrum: rett syndrome: a progressive neurological disorder in which individuals reveals loss of muscle functions, hand flapping, and autistic behaviour. Appears in 6-18 months of age: pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (pdd-nos): delays in development of socialization and communication skills. Usually have some but not all the full symptoms of autism: asperger"s syndrome (as): observable developmental imbalance. Can have average or superior intelligence, but they are years behind socially.