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The term "autism" is really a generalized word which falls within a larger medical category oftentimes called "the 5 Pervasive Development Disorders". Autism is the commonest kind of development disorder and can appear in a variety of forms and severity of condition. This has led to the term "Autism Spectrum Disorder" that is often used to spot and talk about the different sorts of autism. What this means is that someone recognized as having autism can have one of several various kinds of autism that have features that are comparable in some respects and dissimilar in others.
Within the Autism Spectrum Disorder there exists 4 subcategories of autism which are Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified or "PDD-NOS". Since each of these are kinds of autism they all share some common autism features. It's widely acknowledged that autism is related to the brain or what some are now calling "mindblindness". At some point between birth and the first two-and-a-half years of age there's a serious development problem within the brain that stops parts of the brain from working as one. As the child gets older they find it more and more difficult to communicate and connect to others around them in what we regard as a normal and socially acceptable manner. Depending on how bad the brain disorder was early on in life will determine how serious the type of autism is when the child gets older.
So what we've discussed up to now has informed us that all types of autism are linked to a disorder within the brain. Now we will examine how each of the types of autism are different.
1. Asperger Syndrome (AS)
- indicated by impaired language and communication skills
- restrictive patterns in the way the individual behaves and thinks
Children with Asperger Syndrome frequently exhibit very obsessive behavior towards a particular theme or topic and refuse to concentrate on anything else. This makes it very tough for them to mingle with others, especially their peer group and they find it hard to speak and interact normally. Also very common is delayed learning when it comes to motor skills like riding a bike, being able to catch a ball or even climbing on playground equipment. The child is often thought of as being clumsy and inept.
2. Rett Syndrome
- symptoms are often seen earlier on in a child's life than other types of autism
- usually is found only in girls and suddenly begins to surface some six to eighteen months after a normal baby development pattern
A baby with Rett Syndrome exhibits a slow down or oftentimes even a loss of customary development skills that were already developed before Rett Syndrome. Additional signs of this infant condition may include problems learning to walk, increased delay in learning basic motor skills and often there's a lessening in head growth rate.
3. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
- less common kind of autism
- manifests later than other types of autism, not until around age 3 or 4
- frequently a dramatic loss of social, communication and other types of skills
A child afflicted with CDD usually has exhibited regular development well beyond that stage where other types of autism might become evident. Everything seems fine, until unexpectedly around the ages of three or 4 the child very quickly begins to have difficulty communicating normally, doing social activities with others and begins to fall behind in normal skill development for his or her age group. In especially severe cases this may even result in mental retardation.
4. Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
- generally the mildest type of autism and is typically diagnosed around 4 years old
- main characteristics are difficulties with social interaction and communication
A child with PDD-NOS enjoys the company of other people but has a difficult time reacting appropriately and making authentic associations with their friends. For instance they find it difficult to relate to the emotions of others, and as such would not understand the way to appriopriately react if someone is laughing or crying. Areas of trouble with respect to communicating with other people include a limited vocabulary, repetitive language, narrow interests and poor nonverbal communication.
As you are able to see the definition of autism isn't so simple as many individuals presume it to be. Differing autism features have given rise to a number of different types of autism that will impinge on children and adults in a wide range of ways, frequently depending upon how severe the abnormal condition is for that person.
It is extremely important to understand that the above facts about autism, together with the types of autism discussed, are just general guidelines and are in no way intended to be a medical diagnosis. If you believe that your youngster might have autism, then please inquire about medical advice from a physician.
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