The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) defines autism as a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by:
• impairments in communication and social interaction, and
• restricted, repetitive, and stereotypic patterns of behavior, interests, and activities.
It is a complex neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain.
(Teaching Students with Autism: A Resource Guide for Schools, Ministry of Education Special Programs Branch 2000. pp 3)
• impairments in communication and social interaction, and
• restricted, repetitive, and stereotypic patterns of behavior, interests, and activities.
It is a complex neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain.
(Teaching Students with Autism: A Resource Guide for Schools, Ministry of Education Special Programs Branch 2000. pp 3)