This is information on a great illustration (see below) which I found at Google images about autism. It has all key-points, while making aware that autism is: (1) not a disease but a disorder, (2) having many types and (3) the umbrella in DSM-5.
A few facts..
1 in 77 children age 3-17 are diagnosed with autism each year, boys are 4 x more likely than girl to have autism. There is a 10 to 17% growth annually in the USA. Autism is the fastest-growing development disorder.
The Diagnosis
- language deficits
- little or no eye contact
- disturbance in social interaction
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is comprised of an umbrella of disorders with varying degree of expression of above mentioned triad symptoms.
The different types (before DSM-V)
- Aspergers Syndrome : No delay in language and cognitive development. Difficulties in social interaction. Development of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interest, and activity.
- Autistic Disorder : Significant language delays. Impairment in social interaction and communication. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped pattern of behavior, interest, and activity.
- Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) : Symptoms are similar to autistic disorder. However, all criteria for autistic disorders are not met due to late age onset.
These are part of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) will released in May 2013.
The different types (after DSM-V)
As of May 2013, previous diagnostic classifications of Autistic spectrum disorders,
- Aspergers Syndrome
- Autistic Disorder
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
will be replaced by one umbrella term called: “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)“.
Credits: This illustration and information comes from Jooyeun Lee.
My life as autist 
Science is actually realizing that boys are not more likely to have Aspergers/Autism than girls. It is just that all the diagnostic criteria is based on males on the Spectrum. Doctors are beginning to realize that females on the Spectrum present themselves differently and therefore are overlooked and never referred for help unless they are severe. In fact, girls are more likely to mask their differences by copying their peers. By adult life, camouflaging the differences becomes more difficult. That is why women are diagnosed late in life. Personally, I was seen as simply shy until I started college. No one considered Aspergers because I am a girl. Then everything exploded and I ended up seeing a Psychiatrist who said I have Aspergers.
LikeLike
Thanks for emphasising this, most probably this will also be overlooked, when an adult with autism becomes older. Which means an adult girl with autism will fall through the selection criteria even much faster then..
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Under Your Radar and commented:
Helpful facts for those who are interested.
LikeLiked by 1 person