If you are reading this article, you probably know what autism is. However, in this article, you can read about the types of this medical condition. But first, we clear up what is autism exactly in a few words. But first, let’s clarify in a few words what autism is, and then list its types. I don’t want to dive into the science, this article is just a brief explanation of the different types of autism so that we can see which one we are dealing with.
What is Autism
Autism is a neurological disorder in which the parts of the brain that control communication, behavior, social interaction, learning, perception, and movement coordination do not function properly. Every person with autism is affected by symptoms in different ways and to different degrees. Some of them show fewer autistic traits, while others show several symptoms at once. Many genetic, medical, environmental, nutritional, and infectious factors can contribute to this neurological dysfunction. The exact cause is not known.
The fact is that there are more and more children with autistic symptoms, but only about 10% of these children are genetically autistic. Autism spectrum disorder is a very specific neurobiological developmental disorder when the apparently completely healthy child’s ability to communicate is difficult to form or there is a lack of social relationships, and the child manifests in an unaccepted behavioral form and stereotypical actions are accompanying symptoms. The word spectrum refers to the fact that the disease has a very wide range. From patients of poor quality and little social contact with an outstanding IQ (Asperger’s syndrome), to very serious, “non-talking”, uncommunicative patients who are prone to self-aggression.
A mildly autistic person may not even know that he or she is affected – while at the other end of the spectrum, we find serious cases that require constant supervision because they can be self-threatening. The ordinary, everyday life for us is full of situations and circumstances that are almost unbearable for an autistic person.
The first signs of autism can be observed at an early age: according to one research, most often, parents begin to suspect at the age of one and a half years of a small child that “something is wrong” with their child. The ordinary, everyday life for us is full of situations and circumstances that are almost unbearable for an autistic person.
Types of Autism
There are three main types of autism, and in addition, there are two uncommon but severe, autism-like diseases:
- Asperger syndrome
- Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD-NOS)
- Autistic disorder
- Rett syndrome
- Childhood disintegrative disorder
Asperger syndrome
It is named after an Austrian psychiatrist who described this disease in 1944—the mildest form of autism. Asperger syndrome is three times more common in boys than in girls. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome show poor social interactions, obsessions, odd speech patterns, limited facial expressions, and other peculiar mannerisms. They might engage in obsessive routines and show an unusual sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
Asperger’s syndrome used to be treated as a separate disorder; nowadays, it is referred to as the mildest form of autism. In this case, the child slightly disturbs communication and social relationships. He likes
constancy, but cognitive function develops according to age, behavioral patterns are normal, and delayed speech development is not characteristic. Their intelligence is average and very often well above average. If
autism occurs among hyperactive, attention-deficit children, for most of them, this is the diagnosis.
A child with Asperger syndrome is obsessively interested in an object or a topic. He learns everything and delves into his preferred topic; without stopping, he talks about it and discusses it with others.
Despite this, his social skills were significantly impaired. Often his physical movements are uncoordinated. Facial expressions, body language, and voice acting are difficult during speaking. Eye contact is hard to bear.
A patient with Asperger syndrome in his young
adulthood is often tormented by anxiety and depression. The disease is difficult to recognize. It is estimated that in 30-50 percent of cases, the person is not revealed to have Asperger syndrome.
Pervasive developmental disorder
This disease is even more difficult to diagnose. Children whose state is more severe than Asperger’s syndrome but less severe as an autistic disorder are diagnosed with PDD-NOS. This diagnostic category refers to a medical condition characterized by developmental delays in socialization and communication skills. Parents may note symptoms typically before three years of age.
The symptoms of PDD-NOS vary in all children, so it isn’t easy to generalize:
- decreased social interaction, just like with autism
- better language skills than autism, but not as good as Asperger’s syndrome
- there are fewer repetitive behaviors than those with Asperger’s syndrome or autistic
- develops at a later age
Autistic disorder
Children with more severe symptoms than those with a pervasive developmental disorder may have an autistic disorder. Autism is characterized by more severe disabilities in social and linguistic functioning and repetitive behavior. Often the patient has to face mental retardation and seizures.
Rett syndrome
Rett syndrome is extremely rare, 1:10000. It occurs exclusively among women; the boy patient dies even at fetal age. A consequence of a gene mutation on the X chromosome is this type of autism. The mutation occurs randomly, so it has nothing to do with a genetic predisposition.
The baby’s development is normal until the age of 6-18 months, and then suddenly, the little one loses the communication and coordination skills acquired until then. He doesn’t respond to voices; he doesn’t put his hands in his mouth, and he doesn’t clap when he sees someone else clapping. Treatment of the disease: physical physiotherapy and sessions conducted by a speech therapist.
Childhood disintegrating disorder
Of all the types of autism, it is the most severe condition and is more common in boys. The child typically develops until 2-4 years, after which he quickly loses several functional areas he has mastered. Social and language skills, as well as intellectual ability are lost.
