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A group of conditions affect how your child develops in similar ways. Doctors call this group autistic spectrum disorder. A spectrum is just a range.

Autistic spectrum disorder includes autism and several other conditions.

If your child has Asperger's syndrome, your child has intelligence at the normal level and starts to speak at the usual age. But they still have problems communicating and getting along with people.

Asperger's syndrome is often called atypical autism. You may also hear this called a pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified or PDD-NOS for short.

Children with atypical autism may have problems speaking and getting along with people. But they don't have all the signs of autism. For example, they may not do the same activity over and over.

The problems that children with atypical autism have may not be clear until they are older than 3 years. With autism, the problems are usually clear before this age.¹

Some doctors think atypical autism and Asperger's syndrome are the same thing. But others think they are different.²

Other conditions also can affect how your child develops. For example, some children have learning problems that seem like autism. It may be hard to tell the difference. This is especially so if your child has a learning problem that involves speaking or using numbers.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.