Treating autism spectrum disorders. Preface.

摘要

This issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America is on the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), also known as pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). Typically diagnosed in childhood, these disorders cause lifelong and characteristic impairment in socialization, communication, and behavior. A number of specific "core" symptoms are found to varying degrees. These can include poor eye contact, deficits in other nonverbal behavior, social withdrawal, impairment in social interaction, echolalia, stereotypies, intense and circumscribed interests, and a preoccupation with parts of objects instead of the whole. These core impairments can range from mild to disabling.