The Different Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism is a spectrum disorder as it does not relate to only one particular type of disorder. People with autism may behave differently. They may have communication, social or behavioural challenges. If you come across people with autism, you will notice that each one of them will have distinct strengths and weaknesses. Based on how a person with autism thinks, adapts and learns, they are characterised under different types of autism spectrum disorders. People with autism may have mild, moderate or severe symptoms. Even people diagnosed with the same type of autism may project different character and skills.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder describes the developmental delays in a person that affect his social and communication skills and recognition and motor skills. People with different types of autism spectrum disorder will behave differently. While some may need extreme or moderate care, others may need no help and could be capable of living independently. People with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit repetitive body movements and may have difficulty in conversation. But they may have a remarkable memory.

Different Types of Autism Disorders

Various types of ASD are listed below to help you understand it better and help the affected ones move in a productive way:

1. Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s syndrome is on the milder end of the autism spectrum. People with Asperger’s syndrome are usually intelligent and are able to do their daily tasks, but they may have trouble socialising. People with this syndrome are quite intelligent but they may be quirky. Hence this type of autism is also nicknamed “geek syndrome”.

2. Pervasive Development Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

People with pervasive development disorder show less or least symptoms of autism as compared to people affected with other forms of autism. They may hardly face difficulty socialising and communicating with someone. If this condition is diagnosed early, changing the diet, taking up social skills classes and occupational therapies can help a person recover faster. Along with Asperger’s syndrome, autistic disorders and more, PDD-NOS were also added to the spectrum of autistic disorders.

3. Autistic Disorder

It is also known as Kanner’s syndrome and is one of the severe and most common types of autism disorders. They generally show symptoms like lack of communication and intellectual skills. You may even notice that these type of people may be sensitive to touch, sound, light, and smell. People with other forms of autism may exhibit similar symptoms, but people with the autistic disorder show the symptoms at an intense level.

4. Rett Syndrome

Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting girls. The symptoms of Rett syndrome may be evident in girls from the age of 6 months. It is a type of autism that can be diagnosed medically and its main symptom is difficulty in communication. Rett syndrome impairs a person’s ability to use hands and is termed as a progressive form of autism. Many intense symptoms of this form of autism include teeth grinding, mental retardation, and delayed growth which may be evident as the child grows.

5. Childhood Disintegrative Syndrome

This type of autism is also called as Heller’s syndrome and is one of the rare types of autism as doctors co-relate this to seizure disorders. It is considered as a complex disorder as it gets severe only after the age of 2. Children affected by this type of autism develop normally until the age of 2. They may not face any problem recognizing or interacting with someone. Early diagnosis of the situation will help the child improve through speech, occupational and behavioural therapy. Making some dietary changes may also help improve his condition.

Autism is not discussed much in India. But slowly, things are changing and people are becoming more and more aware of diseases like autism. Knowing the types of autism can help you recognize the signs in people you come across and sensitize a larger group to the condition.

Also Read:

Stress Management for Parents with Autistic Child
Activities to Lower the Risk of Autism in Children
Points to Keep in Mind while Choosing School for Autistic Child