Recently I added a post called Autism efforts go global at United Nations forum. I wanted to confirm if Autism is considered a mental illness so today I looked up some more information on Autism. From my light research, it appears there is some debate about it, but looks to me that it is not officially classified as a mental illness. It does, however, fall into the category of mental health. More information can be found at NIMH: Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders)
The pervasive developmental disorders, or autism spectrum disorders, range from a severe form, called autistic disorder, to a milder form, Asperger syndrome. If a child has symptoms of either of these disorders, but does not meet the specific criteria for either, the diagnosis is called pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Other rare, very severe disorders that are included in the autism spectrum disorders are Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder. This brochure will focus on classic autism, PDD-NOS, and Asperger syndrome, with brief descriptions of Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder on the following page.
and at Autism Speaks.
Comments are always welcome, especially when I write about subjects with which I have little personal experience.
Andy Alt
Meander
October 4, 2008 at 5:04 pm |
I think most parents of kids on the autism spectrum would tell you it’s a neurological issue, not a mental health illness. It’s a good question though, and something I am asked quite often actually. Great blog!
October 6, 2008 at 2:45 pm |
acollage, thanks for the input, feedback and the comment. I have a relative with Asperger’s Syndrome, lived with him and my extended family for a couple years, so I was actually surprised I didn’t know the answer already.