KOKO Monthly Initiative: The Types Of Autism And What You Need To Know About Them

Autism (or Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD ) is a complex neurobehavioral condition that encompasses impairments in social interaction and developmental language, communication distortion as well as rigid, repetitive behaviors. It has been linked to birth defect agents acting during the first eight weeks from conception, though these cases are rare.

Several factors may influence the development of autism, and it is often accompanied by sensory sensitivities and medical issues such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures or sleep disorders, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and attention issues.

A child with ASD is very sensitive may be greatly troubled, sometimes pained, by sounds, touches, smells, sights or even things that seem normal to others. He may have repetitive body movements such as pacing or hand flapping, and unusual responses to people. At times they may seem not to notice people, objects, or activities in their surroundings. They also have unusual attachments to objects, resistance to change in their routines, or aggressive or self-injurious behavior.

The American Psychiatric Association has merged four distinct autism diagnoses into one umbrella diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They are Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

1. Autistic Disorder: Otherwise called Classic Autism, this type is what most people think of when hearing the word Autism. People with autistic disorder usually have significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with autistic disorder also have intellectual disability.

2. Asperger Syndrome: People with Asperger syndrome usually have milder symptoms of autistic disorder. They might have social challenges and unusual behaviors and interests. However, they typically do not have problems with language or intellectual disability.

3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) or Atypical Autism: People with this type of Autism meet some of the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome, but not all. They usually have fewer and milder symptoms than those with Autistic disorder with only social and communication challenges.

4. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD): Also known as Heller’s Syndrome and Disintegrative Psychosis, CDD has some similarities with autism and is sometimes considered a low-functioning form of it, which is why it is also called Regressive Autism. It is characterized by developmental delays or severe and sudden reversals or regression in language, social function and motor skills of patients.

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