TYPES OF ASD

TYPES OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Classic Autistic Disorder (also referred to as Kanner's Syndrome)

People with this syndrome usually demonstrate what many people consider the most common behaviours of autism.

Individual with this type of autism are not as high functioning, typically have lower IQ and present more difficulties with verbal communication.

Children with this more common type of autism often seem absorbed in their own world and have little to no interested in interacting with the world around them.

‘Atypical autism’ or Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

This rather mild form of autism disorder can cause social or developmental delays, like reaching walking or talking developmental milestones later than most children do.

People with PDD-NOS usually have fewer and milder symptoms than those with classic autistic disorder a often learn to cope with their developmental and social challenges more easily than others with more severe forms of Autism.

Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's syndrome is a developmental disorder that involves delays in the development of basic skills especially in the ability to interact socially and communicate.

It is classified as an Autism Spectrum Disorder and no longer has its own diagnosis since 2013 as many of the symptoms are the same. It can be difficult to differentiate Asperger’s and high functioning ASD.

Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome are typically ‘higher functioning’ than people with Classic Autistic Disorder, have normal level of intelligence and near to normal language development.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)

CDD is a rare form of autism where children, who showed no signs of developmental delays, start regressing around the age of 2 years old and suddenly stop talking, making eye contact and lose their ability to socially interact with others.

Doctors have observed a connection with this condition and seizure disorders.

SYMPTOMS

Depending on the type of ASD they are experiencing, autistic people may present various combination of symptoms.

Many children, young people and adults with ASD also have an over–sensitivity to sound, smell, touch, taste and visual stimulation.

Symptoms may evolve depending on the person’s age, level of intelligence, individual personality and presence of additional disorders.

Symptoms present in BOTH Classic Autistic Disorder and Asperger’s

Social interaction:

difficulty making friends
limited eye contact or facial expression
abnormal posture or repetitive movements
repetitive and compulsive behavior
awkward social skills
inappropriate interaction and unusual reactions in social settings
lack of understanding of social cues (like tone of voice or body language)
unresponsiveness
lack of empathy
behavioral disturbances

Social communication

communication issues
trouble expressing feeling

Social imagination

unable to predict what will happen next
intense focus on one item
limited range of interest

Symptoms present in Classic Autistic Disorder but NOT in Asperger’s

Social interaction:

social withdrawal
limited or no interaction with other
difficulty sharing interest or enjoyment

Social communication:

delay in learning to speak
learning disability or deficits in language comprehension
difficulty initiating or sustaining conversation
abnormal tone of voice: flat or monotonous speech
expressing a need by acting out instead of talking
use of repetitive language and odd words or phrases

Social imagination:

difficulty moving from one activity or environment to another
lack a meaningful framework to store and access memories relating to personal experience
limited skills in creative and imaginative play