• We cannot predict how soon autistic disorder-related genes will be found. Still, we are hopeful that genes associated with autistic disorder will be identified within the next few years. It is difficult to predict when these genes will be found, however, once they are identified, additional research will be necessary to understand how the genes function, how they cause autistic disorder, and whether they act alone or in combination with other genes or environmental factors. Therefore, even after genes associated with autistic disorder are identified, it is likely that genetic testing will still be years away. Many different scientific groups around the world have identified regions on different chromosomes that are likely to contain autistic disorder related genes. Finding a gene is usually a slow and tedious process; the time frame should be measured in years. However, we are off to a great start!

Asperger Disorder
Individuals with Asperger disorder do not have a delay in spoken language development, but can have serious deficits in social and communication skills.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD/NOS)
Is a diagnosis often considered for children who show some signs of autistic disorder, but who do not meet the specific diagnostic criteria for the other PDDs.

Rett Disorder
Rett disorder is among the most common genetic cause of profound intellectual and physical disability in girls, occurring more commonly than 1 in 10,000 female births.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Children with childhood disintegrative disorder develop normally for a relatively prolonged period before developing a condition that resembles autistic disorder.