Disorders of the autistic spectrum were not given a label until the middle of the 20th century. Dr. Leo Kanner studied a group of children in 1943 who exhibited marked behavioral and communication issues and found them to be afflicted with what we today know as autism. There are five different disorders of development within the autism spectrum. All of the disorders vary in the degree that the individual is affected. But all have issues with communication skills, socialization and at times, repetitive behavior.

An autistic spectrum disorder can be first noticed in a child by the age of 3 and in many cases much earlier. It is normally the parent who is the first to notice the behaviors or at times, the lack of certain behaviors of their children. Children who are stricken by disorders of the autism spectrum act differently than other children and sometimes do so from birth. They are most often unresponsive to parents and other individuals and will focus on objects that are not of any relevance, for an extended period of time. The child may also show signs of changes as they develop. If a child was once able to focus and interact with parents and others by babbling and cooing and suddenly becomes resistant to socialization, then this could be a cause for concern.

Disorders may range from the milder form in the autism spectrum, normally referred to as Asperger syndrome, to a more severe form known as an autistic disorder. There is also high functioning autism, which shows symptoms very close to Asperger syndrome. If a child seems to have symptoms of autism, either the mild or the more sever form, yet does not fall under a certain criteria for one of these disorders, then they are normally diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder.

Autistic spectrum disorders are not always noticed right away because children all show different developmental changes at different times in their lives. The key is in knowing when it is simply the child's development or if there could be a problem. If the delays in development continue, then it is always best to consult with a physician. They can tell you if the child should be tested for autism spectrum disorders, as well as to provide you with information about what you can do and what to expect, if indeed the child does have one of the disorders related to autism.

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