Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex and multi-dimensioned neurodevelopmental disorder that affects billions of children globally. Some people exhibit various types and degrees of symptoms of the disease, which in turn can make the disease difficult to clinical category. The overlap between different types of autism spectrum disorders adds to the challenge of discriminating between different characteristics within the autism spectrum quotient. On the other hand, diagnosis and treatment of autism will become more effective through familiarity with its different types as this may help in the unveiling of the multifaceted nature of autism. This article is going to get into different types of autism. It will give an insight into the characteristics and manifestations which are unique to each.
Types of Autism
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Individuals with severe autism require a high level of support in their everyday life, have difficulties with social interaction and communication, and may exhibit a range of symptomatic behaviors. The impact of ASD and the intensity of its symptoms vary from one individual to another.
There are several types of autism, classified on the basis of symptoms, severity, and the age at which symptoms appear:
1. Asperger’s Syndrome
During the DSM-5 revision process, the authors of the manual discontinued the Asperger’s Disorder category, which was set aside as a separate developmental disorder apart from general Neurodevelopmental Disorders but now hasn’t its own category in the latest DSM-5. At the present time, one of new autism’s most commonly diagnosed categories is known as an ASD. In the course of history, Asperger’s Syndrome was referred to as symptoms, instead of causes, such as lack of social skills, strange interests, and particular affinity to certain details, without difficulties in communication or characteristic mental stagnation. High functioning autism, on the other hand, includes individuals with good language skills but who struggle with social interaction and may exhibit odd behaviors.
Diagnosis on Asperger’s Syndrome based on the DSM-5 was deprived while ASD individuals display the traits of this criteria. The traits that were formerly part of a concentration called Asperger’s Syndrome are now categorized as a single spectrum of Autism known as Autism Spectrum Disorder. This revision has impacted the way we understand the types of Autism.
Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome:
Social Challenges:
- Social interaction and forming relationships can be a hardship.
- The difficulties in forming/retaining friendships.
Communication Difficulties:
- Cognitive deficits such as impaired verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
- Monotone style of speech or body movements misaligned with the content.
Repetitive Behaviors and Interests:
- Engaging in repetitive movements or having specific routines.
- Intense focus on particular topics or interests.
- Resistance to changes in routine.
Sensory Sensitivities:
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Excess sensitivity or aversion to sensory stimuli, like lights, sounds and touch.
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Strange responses to sensory stimulation, by struggling or favoring specific sensations.
Motor Skills and Coordination:
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Problems with movement of arms and legs as well as with fine motor movements.
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Awkward or clumsy movements.
It is particularly relevant that nowadays Asperger’s Syndrome is no longer regarded as a diagnosable condition, indeed, earlier diagnosed individuals now fit into a broader ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) category. Although ASD has common features, individuals classified under ASD may have a broader range of symptoms and levels of impact.
2. Rett Syndrome
Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder and neurodevelopmental condition, primarily impacts girls. It is characterized by a period of normal development followed by a loss of acquired skills, typically between 6 months and 2 years of age. Rett Syndrome is primarily caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene, which plays a crucial role in brain development. It is one of the types of autism.
It’s important to note that the symptoms of Rett Syndrome can differ among affected individuals, and the disorder exists on a spectrum. The condition primarily affects girls, as the majority of cases are linked to mutations in the MECP2 gene located on the X chromosome. While there is currently no cure for Rett Syndrome, supportive therapies and interventions aim to manage symptoms and enhance the overall well-being of individuals with the condition. Among the different types of Autism, Rett Syndrome presents unique challenges and characteristics.
Symptoms of Rett Syndrome:
Loss of Purposeful Hand Skills:
- Individuals with Rett Syndrome often lose the ability to perform tasks with their hands, such as grasping objects or using utensils.
Motor Abnormalities:
- Hand movements that are repetitive, like wringing or washing motions.
- Coordination and gait difficulties.
Loss of Speech and Social Engagement:
- Regression in language skills, resulting in a loss of speech or diminished communication abilities.
- Social withdrawal and reduced interest in interacting with others.
Breathing Irregularities:
- Abnormal breathing patterns, including hyperventilation, breath-holding, or irregular breathing.
Gait Abnormalities:
- Problems with walking and balance.
Cognitive Impairment:
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Cognitive and intellectual challenges vary in degree from mild to severe.
Rett Syndrome shows varying symptoms among individuals affected by the condition. As one of the distinct types of Autism, the disorder has four stages: the beginning, a fast drop to the lowest value, a maintenance point, and the final motor decrease. However, though it is a terminal disorder without a cure, various interventions and therapies (physical and occupational among them) can largely change the life quality of patients and their families.
3. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD), also known as Heller’s Syndrome, is also a another types of autism. It is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a significant loss of previously acquired skills, typically occurring between the ages of 2 and 10 years. Children with CDD experience a regression in behavioral skills, language, social skills, motor abilities, and adaptive behavior.
Symptoms of Childhood Disintegrative Disorder:
Loss of Language Skills:
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There is a very obvious decrease in the ability to understand others and express one’s thoughts. Kids might not be able to speak any of the words at all.
Loss of Social Skills:
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Regression in social interactions and relationships. Children may withdraw from social activities and exhibit decreased interest in others.
Loss of Motor Skills:
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Decline in motor coordination and skills, including fine and gross motor abilities. This can impact activities such as dressing, feeding, and other daily tasks.
Loss of Adaptive Behavior:
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Regressive adaptive behaviors such as self-care and daily habits that take place independently of others.
Loss of Bowel and Bladder Control:
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Toilet training regression just like bowel and bladder control loss.
Loss of Play Skills:
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Reduction in imaginative and play skills. Children may engage in repetitive or stereotyped behaviors.
Intellectual Impairment:
- Linking intellectual disability with CDD, however, cannot omit the fact that the range of the severity is wide.
An important aspect to bear in mind is the fact that Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is rare and the actual source is still unknown. Compared to other developmental issues, CDD typically causes a steeper regression. During the early stages, the identification and prompt intervention can help the social workers meet the specific needs of the individual.
4. Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) was a term used in the past to describe individuals who exhibited some but not all of the criteria for other pervasive developmental disorders, such as autistic disorder or Asperger’s syndrome. However, this term is no longer used in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is now considered one of the types of Autism under the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Key symptoms of Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS):
Social Challenges:
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Lacking social interactions, for instance, the building of relations and understanding of social guesses
Communication Difficulties:
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Communication problems are such as wordless and nonverbal like speech, delays or stuttering, and limited vocabulary and sentence construction skills.
Repetitive Behaviors:
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The decrease in the ability to maintain conversations, the inability to translate speech into comprehensible language, and the lack of communication skills.
Sensory Sensitivities:
- In addition to expressing difficulties with attention, processing, and socialization, sensory sensitivities exhibited by people on the autism spectrum might show themselves as an increased/decreased sensitivity to sensory inputs such as lights, sounds, or textures.
Motor Coordination Issues:
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Difficulties with hand coordination and hand motor skills.
It is relevant to highlight that in earlier versions of the DSM PDD-NOS used to be an official diagnosis, whereas the current edition of the DSM reflects the spectrum type by “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)”, which covers this amount of disorders. This change was made to provide better information about the spectrum nature of the disorders and to make the diagnosis more accurate by analyzing the severity and combination of symptoms. Each person with ASD is an individual, so interventions are specifically designed to identify those real needs.
5. Kanner’s Syndrome or Classic Autistic Disorder
It should be kept in mind that PDD-NOS was a diagnostic category in earlier versions of DSM, the current approach in DSM-5 is to diagnose people through non-specified term, “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD), which is made for better representation of the wide spectrum of these disorders and is also for more accurate and individualized diagnosis based on the severity and range of symptoms. The DSM-5 is the standard resource used by healthcare professionals to diagnose mental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, depression, and anxiety, by identifying specific criteria for each disorder. There is no clearly defined recipe of treatment for each ASD patient because their cases are unique. Thus, efforts are always geared towards catering for their specific needs.
Kanner’s Syndrome, commonly referred as Classic Autistic Disorder by scholar Dr. Leo Kanner, is the original definition of autism. It is one of the early attempts to depict autism as such. Although Kanner’s Syndrome is not usually used nowadays, the disease Classic Autism Disorder fits in well with the notion of today’s umbrella term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which encompasses different types of Autism.
Key symptoms of Kanner’s Syndrome or Classic Autistic Disorder include:
Social Challenges:
- Impaired social interactions and difficulties in forming relationships.
- Restricted eye contact and difficulties in comprehending and reacting to social signals.
Communication Difficulties:
- Delayed or absent language development.
- Impaired verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
- Repetitive or unusual language patterns, such as echolalia.
Repetitive Behaviors:
- Engagement in repetitive movements or activities, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or lining up objects.
Limited Interests and Activities:
- Narrow or intense focus on specific interests or topics.
- Resistance to engaging in activities that do not align with their specific interests.
Sensory Sensitivities:
- Increased or decreased responsiveness to sensory inputs, like lights, sounds, textures, or smells.
Intellectual and Cognitive Challenges:
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Every person has a different level of intellect in this spectrum, from intellectual disability to average or even above-average intelligence.
Moreover, it needs to be underlined that the phrase “Classic Autistic Disorder” is rarely applied in the current clinical practice; since DSM-5 releases by recent time the diagnostic term is “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)” that includes entire of the range of symptoms and their presentations. Each of these people with ASD is different. Thus, the thing that counts is discovering how one can help a particular individual, taking into account the person’s distinctive strengths and weaknesses.
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Early Signs of Autism
It’s crucial to detect the early signs of autism early in life to ensure timely intervention and support. Following are some of the early signs of autism:
➡️ Delay in or Lack of Joint Attention:
This refers to the inability to share focus with another person on the same object or event, which is a key aspect of social communication.
➡️ Language Delays & Differences With ASD:
Children with autism often exhibit delayed language skills, such as late talking, limited vocabulary, or unusual speech patterns.
➡️ Regression in Previously Acquired Skills:
Some children with autism might lose previously acquired skills, like speech or social interactions.
➡️ Unusual Sensory Sensitivities:
Children with autism might display unusual reactions to sensory stimuli. They may be overly sensitive to certain sounds, textures, tastes, or smells, or they may seek out certain sensory experiences.
➡️ Repetitive Behavior or Movements:
Repetitive behaviors, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning, are common among children with autism. They may also develop specific routines or rituals and become upset at the slightest change.
➡️ Social Difficulties:
Children with autism may avoid eye contact, prefer to play alone, and have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings.
➡️ Cognitive or Learning Delays:
Other kids with autism may experience lagging cognitive or learning skills therefore, they can hardly solve problems, understand the concept, or even pass academically.
If you find any of the above behaviors in your child, please do not hesitate and see a doctor for the best advice. Distinguishing autism at an earlier stage, followed by prompt treatment, will ultimately lead to significant improvement for children with this disability.
Suggested – Early Signs of Autism: A Comprehensive Guide
What Are the Treatment Options for Autism?
The treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often covers a wide range of problems by involving many different specialists from various fields. The absence of a cure for ASD does not mean that interventions are non-existent. They just aim at improving language and communication, social interactions, and adaptive behaviors. Common treatments and strategies include:
✅ Behavioral Therapies:
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- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy a structured therapy that breaks down desired behaviors into manageable components, reinforcing positive behaviors and discouraging negative ones.
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✅ Speech and Language Therapy:
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- Speech therapy which enhance communication skills, including speech, language, and nonverbal communication.
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✅ Occupational Therapy:
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- Occupational Therapy focuses on improving fine motor skills, sensory integration, and daily living skills to enhance independence.
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✅ Medication:
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- Some with AS may show improvement from medicines that deal with certain symptoms, like anxiety, aggression, or hyperactivity. Prescription and supervision of drugs must be performed by healthcare providers.
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✅ Sensory Integration Therapy:
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- Accommodates sensory sensitivities by providing activities that allow the individuals to learn ways of tolerating and responding to sensory input more appropriately.
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✅ Parental Training:
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- As part of parental training, parents would be taught the skills of supporting their child, sharing the challenges, and creating a peaceful and loving home.
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However, the efficiency of therapeutic measures for every single person with ASD differs. A personalized and tailored approach that takes into account the unique qualities and limitations of the specific person is what is needed very much. Frequent evaluations and adjustment of treatment plans are crucial for ideal results. Furthermore, besides engaging and including families and caregivers in the intervention, the provision of consistent and supportive environments for people with ASD becomes a key thing.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answer
What is Minor Autism?
The word “minor autism” does not have a valid status because it is a non-clinical term. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a spectrum, and individuals may demonstrate a wide scope of unique features and deficits. Consistency is important. Instead of using words like “minor” and “major” it will be more accurate to use the specific characteristics or needs.
When Do Signs of Autism Start?
The signs of autism spectrum disorder appear mostly in early childhood around age 2-3 at the most. Yet, some parents notice these signs as soon as they are little. Early warning signs could be social problems such as difficulties in interactions and communication delays, as well as the development of stereotyped behaviors and sensory issues.
What Age Does Autism Peak?
There is no certain age at which autism develops. There is the “peak” which may mean the time when people get identified at their symptoms are at their maximum, this may occur in childhood. However, some people get better with age. The variety is determined by continuity as well as the intervention of age-tailored requirements.
Can Autism Improve With Age?
Autism is a non-contagious developmental disorder with no known cure. Therefore, it is for life. In addition to these, interventions and support can ensure that they can utilize those skills and handle the barriers they may encounter in their lives. The individual pattern of growth and progress is very unique and early intervention is the key element of this process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Autistic Spectrum Disorder is a wide-ranging term with several conditions that cause problems in social interaction, speech, and repetitive behaviors. The various species of autism, including Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and Autistic Disorder, each are different in character and symptom severity.
Organizations such as the Autism Center of Excellence are making a real contribution in this area. They offer a plethora of services, including ABA Therapy, ABA for Early Intervention, ABA for School Readiness, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy for children aged two to fourteen years old in both home and center-based settings. These particular programs hold an exceptional position with respect to providing the necessary assistance for kids on the autism spectrum
Understanding these different types of Autism is very important in relation to the provision of proper care and treatment methods. Yet, we shall keep in mind the fact that every person with autism is an individual and each person’s traits can be quite different. Thus, a one-to-one approach, which takes into consideration the strengths and challenges of every person, is key to helping those on the spectrum. Continuously improving our understanding of autism, we hope to achieve better methods of supporting autism spectrum disorder individuals and allowing them to fully enjoy their lives.
Please Note: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified health care professional for personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Bhavika Bhasin (Author)
Bhavika Bhasin is the Research and Marketing officer at AutismCOE. She works with children and adults with ASD. Her clinical research includes evaluating various available autism screening and diagnosis methods and their efficacy. She is currently developing a novel screening exam that is indicated to be more accurate than the existing available exams. She is also writes articles papers for various publications.
