ADD or ADHD

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neuropsychiatric disorder of childhood onset characterized by symptoms of INATTENTION such as problems with focus, easy distractibility, forgetfulness, inability to complete tasks, and difficulties with tasks requiring sustained mental effort, and HYPERACTIVE-IMPULSIVE behaviors, such as restlessness, fidgetiness, difficulty staying still, excessive talking, and poor self control. In addition to the core symptoms, other features may include exaggerated emotional responses, poor organizational skills, forgetfulness, and an inability to use simple strategies for daily tasks. These symptoms can adversely affect a person’s ability to function normally in an academic and or social setting.

AUTISM or PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER

Autism spectrum disorders affect 3 to 4 out of every 1,000 children ages 3 to 10, and are characterized by:

• Difficulties with social interaction
  
• Difficulties with communication
  
• Repetitive behaviors or limited, obsessive interests
  

Some common autism spectrum disorders are:

Classical Autism: (most common)

• Cognitive impairments
• Deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication
• Deficits in social understanding
• Unusual behaviors, restricted activities

Asperger’s Syndrome:

• Mild to severe impairments in social interaction and understanding
• Restricted and repetitive activities and interests
• Language and cognitive development not delayed
• Deficits in communication

Pervasive Developmental Disorder:

• Also called atypical autism
• Severe and pervasive impairment in some areas such as reciprocal social interaction, or restricted activities and interests but the strict criteria for autistic disorder are not met

Rett’s Syndrome: (rare)

• Found almost exclusively in girls
• Significant regression after a period of normal development
• Severely impaired language and psycho-motor skills
• Severe deficits in cognitive ability

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: (rare)

• Significant losses in social behavior, language, play and adaptive behavior after period of normal development of 3 or more years
• Severe deficits in cognitive ability

While autism has no single, identifiable cause, the disorder seems to be related to abnormalities in several regions of the brain. Researchers have also identified a number of gene defects associated with autism.