Executive functioning theory and autism

The triad of characteristics that defines the autistic disorder includes the following: social and communication impairments, and restricted, stereotypical patterns of behavior and interests (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994, 2000, for all symptoms see Table 8.1). There are different classic autism-like conditions, and these other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), such as Asperger syndrome and PDD not otherwise specified (PDDNOS), are part of the broader phenotype of autism. In the current classification system, DSM-IV (APA, 1994, 2000), also Rett syndrome and the Disintegration disorder are considered autism-like conditions. However, in the current chapter we will focus solely on classic autism, Asperger syndrome, and PDDNOS. The combination of these three disorders is referred to as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is the term we will use throughout this chapter.