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What are the Different Kinds of Autism Disorders?

B. Schreiber
B. Schreiber

The different kinds of autism disorders form a range of developmental disorders, which together make up the autism spectrum. All types of autism disorders are developmental disorders marked by an aversion to social interaction and sometimes rigid or repetitive behavior, among other things. The autism spectrum is a scale that accommodates cases of differing severity and symptoms. For example, some disorders distinguish between different levels of language learning or the age of onset. While terms like "high-functioning autism" are sometimes heard, such terminology is relative and has no fixed definition.

As autism is a developmental disorder, all kinds of autism are marked by the failure to fully develop certain skills. Autism disorders have in common a lack of typical social development and communication, and fixed interests or behavior that may appear obsessive. Social symptoms can include not responding to one's own name when called, a lack of sustained eye contact, and an inability to interpret what others are thinking or feeling. It is important to note that these symptoms can vary greatly in severity, as well as in combination. For instance, an autistic person may have fairly typical language development but nevertheless have great difficulty carrying on conversations.

A child with Asperger's may have difficulty socializing and making friends.
A child with Asperger's may have difficulty socializing and making friends.

In the United States, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, published by the American Psychiatric Association, contains all the mental health disorders the Association recognizes. It is better known as the DSM with a number designating its current edition, because it is subject to periodic revision. In the U.S, it is considered the definitive reference for mental health disorders. It recognizes a handful of autism disorders, including Autistic Disorder, Rett's Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and the "atypical" Pervasive Developmental Disorder.

Many children and teens with Asperger's syndrome are highly intelligent.
Many children and teens with Asperger's syndrome are highly intelligent.

Autistic disorder is often simply referred to as autism. In addition to commonly lacking social development and communication, autistic people often have very specific interests. Autistic children might prefer to line up toys instead of the imaginative play typical of developing children, or prefer being alone instead of playing with others. While these terms are relative, a high-functioning autistic person could have above-average language skills while a low-functioning autistic person could exhibit mental retardation.

People with Asperger's tend to avoid eye contact and are often awkward in social situations.
People with Asperger's tend to avoid eye contact and are often awkward in social situations.

Other autism disorders include Asperger's disorder, which is marked by capable language skills and sometimes above-average intelligence. People with Asperger's display other autistic behavior like impaired social development, though usually to a somewhat lower degree. Rett's disorder is a specific genetic disorder that usually occurs in girls, and is marked by normal development that slows or regresses at one to two years of age.

Occupational therapy is often used to help children with autism to improve their ability to move their bodies so they can use scissors, ride tricycles and catch balls.
Occupational therapy is often used to help children with autism to improve their ability to move their bodies so they can use scissors, ride tricycles and catch balls.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) is a rare disorder that also includes regressive development, usually in social development occurring at three to five years of age. Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NSO) is also called atypical autism. This could include, for instance, autistic symptoms of lower severity, or only one specific autistic symptom but no others.

Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

Sensory integration disorder is also on the autism spectrum. My friend's grandson has it. The problem was, his mother didn't want to get any kind of therapy for him until my friend just insisted.

SID is an odd disorder. It affects the way people perceive their environment. My friend's grandson couldn't seem to understand what something was until he put it in his mouth. Seeing it and touching it wasn't enough. Also, he was hypersensitive to cold and any kind of noise. My friend said you had to whisper all the time and that even touching the cold part of the fridge would send the child into complete hysterics.

Her daughter finally took the little boy to a pediatric psychiatrist, who diagnosed him almost immediately and recommended a course of therapy that took him through reintegrating his senses. He is much, much improved and functions on a mostly normal level. Loud noises still really bother him, but he is learning to cope.

Grivusangel

My friend adopted a son with fairly severe autism. He has really improved since she has had him, but she and her husband have worked with him, and she has made sure he's in the best developmental program. He has developed some verbal skills and is more interactive than he was. He actually smiles at people now, and laughs out loud. This is a huge step forward.

Every child is different. Some of them have dietary issues, which makes me wonder about a chemical component for autism. Many autistic children are lactose and gluten intolerant. I have thought about whether studying that aspect of the disorder might produce more effective therapies.

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    • A child with Asperger's may have difficulty socializing and making friends.
      By: Elenathewise
      A child with Asperger's may have difficulty socializing and making friends.
    • Many children and teens with Asperger's syndrome are highly intelligent.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Many children and teens with Asperger's syndrome are highly intelligent.
    • People with Asperger's tend to avoid eye contact and are often awkward in social situations.
      By: Monkey Business
      People with Asperger's tend to avoid eye contact and are often awkward in social situations.
    • Occupational therapy is often used to help children with autism to improve their ability to move their bodies so they can use scissors, ride tricycles and catch balls.
      By: g215
      Occupational therapy is often used to help children with autism to improve their ability to move their bodies so they can use scissors, ride tricycles and catch balls.
    • Children with atypical autism may experience outbursts if specific schedules aren't kept.
      By: Ilike
      Children with atypical autism may experience outbursts if specific schedules aren't kept.