What are the categories for autism?
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Just like there is more than one type of anxiety disorder, diabetes, or developmental disorder, there are different types of autism. In anxiety, for example, there are five completely separate types, each with its own symptoms. Some types of anxiety are unique and other types share similar symptoms on a spectrum. So just how many types of autism are
there? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered the broad term for autism, but three separate sub-types fit within the ASD category. When you think about a ‘spectrum,’ think of seeing different shades of blue all together in one band. All of the shades are technically ‘blue,’ but they range from lightest to darkest. You can also think of a rating scale with two extremes or opposite points. The term ‘autism spectrum disorder’ should be viewed similarly;
there is a ‘spectrum’ of symptoms that someone with autism can exhibit, ranging from mild to severe. You may be one of the millions of people around the world affected by autism. You might know someone personally affected by the disorder or realize its impact on people and the world. Either way, you should educate yourself on autism and the three types of autism spectrum disorder. You’ll have a better understanding of the types of
autism, which can help you interact and communicate more effectively with individuals with different types of autism. The information we provide in this article gives you all the necessary tools to understand the levels of autism. See Also: What are the 10 Most Common Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD)? The 3 types of autism that will be discussed are: To be more specific, they list more symptoms that are split into two categories. Symptoms can typically be observed early in life, as young as two years old; however, many individuals are not
diagnosed until the school-age years or even high school. It all depends on the severity of symptoms and having someone notice that there is an issue. Some individuals have mild to moderate autism symptoms, while some others may be impacted severely. Here is where the three types of spectrum disorders come into play. Each type of spectrum is defined by its varying degrees of symptoms. See Also:
Who Was the First Person to be Diagnosed With Autism? What are the 3 types of autism? What is Autistic Disorder?This type of spectrum is known as “classic” autism. The classic autistic disorder is what people typically think of when they hear the word “autism.” According to the Autism Support of West Shore, those with this type of spectrum disorder have “significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests.” These individuals are usually affected by intellectual disabilities. This type is considered the most severe form of autism. It’s also the most common. People who have autistic disorder may:
Signs of autism may be different in children depending on their age. Young children may begin showing signs of autistic disorder within their first 12 months of life. They may avoid eye contact or fail to return a smile from their mother or father. Older children may find it difficult to communicate how they feel. They may have a hard time making friends or seem unable to understand how others are thinking and feeling. Research shows that early diagnosis and intervention for autism have long-term positive effects on a child’s life. Proper early intervention can help children with an autism diagnosis improve their language and behavioral skills. Some people refer to ‘levels’ when speaking or writing about forms of autism. To compare autistic disorder to a level, you would look at levels two and three on the spectrum, which are the most severe (three) and moderate (two). The experts at Autism Speaks discuss the three levels of autism in more detail and refer to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5 ).
As you can see, there is a continuum of severity and the level of support someone with autism will commonly need for each. Asperger’s Syndrome is the mildest form of autism and is closely associated with level one of ASD. What is Asperger’s Syndrome?This is one of the mild autism spectrum disorders. People with Asperger’s may experience the same symptoms as the other types, but they tend to be milder. People with Asperger Syndrome may have unusual:
These symptoms tend to be the most difficult of this type of spectrum. Problems with language or intellectual disability do not tend to affect those with Asperger’s. Individuals with Asperger’s typically do well academically. The autism experts at Applied Behavioral Analysis Programs list 10 common characteristics of someone who has Asperger’s Syndrome.
What are some of the similarities between Autistic Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome?Those with autism and Asperger’s are known to have difficulty in social and behavioral situations. They also struggle with forming and keeping relationships. They both typically have a difficult time accurately reading:
Did you know that several celebrities have come out to the public about having Asperger’s Syndrome? Guess who?
You probably know a few people with Asperger’s and do not even know it. Some individuals aren’t even officially diagnosed until they are older; many stumble upon a description of it and say, “Hey, that sounds just like me!” Or maybe a friend or family says something to that person and they begin to wonder. Some may choose to secure an official diagnosis with a professional, while others may not want to be “labeled.” Either way is fine! Being diagnosed with a type of ASD does not change who you are as a person inside or out. What is Pervasive Developmental Disorder?Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) is also known as “atypical autism.” PDD is typically reserved for those who meet some but not all, of the criteria for the other two types of ASD. Those affected with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified) experience milder or fewer symptoms. Quite typically, those with PDD-NOS only suffer from social and communication challenges. These people tend to be the highest-functioning autistic types. They simply do not fit into any of the other categories or types of ASDs. Many young children are diagnosed with PDD-NOS after showing mild symptoms of autism. It may turn out after observation periods that the child is truly categorized within a level one or two. It might turn out that the child does not even have autism at all. The autism experts at Applied Behavioral Analysis Programs state the following: “Usually a person is diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder if they exhibit social and communication challenges, but simply do not exhibit other symptoms of Asperger’s, like obsessions over certain topics, developmental delays, or awkward mannerisms. People with Pervasive Developmental Disorder typically live mostly ordinary lives and are considered the highest-functioning of all autism subtypes, but can have issues relating to people, language skills, accepting change in surroundings or routines, and dealing with their own emotions.” The Importance of Early Diagnosis
The CDC states the following and lists the steps in the process of screening and diagnosing ASD: “Monitoring, screening, evaluating, and diagnosing children with ASD as early as possible is important to make sure children receive the services and support they need to reach their full potential.”
For more details, review the CDC’s Fact Sheet on Developmental Monitoring and Screening. As an adult, there is no technical diagnostic test for ASD, but a clinician can help with the diagnostic process. If you believe you may have ASD, contact your physician to discuss what you need to do to get an official diagnosis. And if you feel you have ASD but don’t want a diagnosis, that is completely okay too. Whatever you feel needs to happen for you to be happy and successful in life is what matters the most. Conclusion: Different Types of AutismLearning about the three types of ASD can help you better understand individuals with autism. More information has come to light about autism in recent decades due to new research. We know more about:
We know much more about ASD than we did in the recent past. More research still needs to be done on treatments and interventions for those with autism. Those with either type of ASD can live a full and happy life. Some need an early diagnosis and ABA interventions put in place to ensure success in the critical areas of need. If you suspect a child has a type of ASD, please pass your observations along to the teacher, parent, school nurse, clinician, etc. Intervening early is the key. ABA Programs Guide Staff Updated January 2021 Related:
. What are the 3 main categories of symptoms of autism?Those with autism spectrum disorders have these main characteristics: Repetitive or restrictive behaviors, as well as limited interests. Symptoms that affect their abilities to function properly in social aspects of life. Ongoing social problems that can make it difficult to communicate or interact with others.
How do you categorize autism?According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), doctors categorize autism by assigning level 1, 2, or 3 to two areas of functioning: social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
What is the DSMThe DSM-5 made some key changes to autism diagnosis. There's now a single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder that replaces the different subcategories that were used previously – autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder and pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
What are the four areas of autism?Key Areas of Difference. Social Communication. People on the autism spectrum are just as likely as their typically developing peers to enjoy engaging with others in activities that interest them. ... . Behaviour. ... . Information processing. ... . Sensory Differences.. |
