Different Types of Autism

OVERVIEW
There is a fairly wide spectrum of autistic disorders from "high functioning" types such as Asperger's to all-affecting and all encompassing withdrawal from the outside world. Because there are many types and manifestations of autism, many of them overlapping, the term "Autism Spectrum Disorders" is commonly used. Individuals with the same diagnoses may actually present very differently from one another. IQ may be low, normal or above average. The terms "high" and "low" functioning do not necessarily correlate with IQ, but refer to how capable an individual is able to speak and care for themselves. Some autistics with a high IQ may display a profound inability to carry out the simplest tasks of daily living.

All types of autism become manifest in early childhood, typically before the age of 3, and all types involve impaired or altered communicative abilities, including language, emotional development and social skills. The prevalence of autism is reported to be rising, though this may be due to increased awareness and diagnosis. In fact, it is estimated that 1 out of every 150 people are affected with some disorder along the autistic spectrum. Males are around 3 times more affected than females. There is no known cure.

While there are basic categories of types of autism, each person is unique and commonly diagnoses overlap. Some individuals with unusual presentations of Attention Deficit Disorder may actually be somewhere along the autistic spectrum. Tourette's syndrome and epileptic disorders may also overlap with autism. Some individuals who are simply socially awkward but otherwise leading normal lives may have a type of high-functioning autism. Those withdrawn individuals, sometimes labeled as "nerds" who are gainfully employed but live isolated withdrawn lives with only one or two focuses, may be autistic.

The term Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) is a group of diagnoses that includes some autistics. PDD manifests primarily with difficulties socially. Asperger's Syndrome, one type of autism is a type of PDD where individuals have normal intelligence and are capable of learning but display unusual communicative styles. They may be attached to routines and insist on certain rituals, have some motor difficulties and have some peculiarities in communication and expression of thoughts. Language with emotional content and non-verbal communication is particularly difficult. For example, all communication may be taken literally by an Asperger's individual, and they fail to comprehend humor, jest, irony, idioms or analogies. Some such individuals may be capable of attending school, gaining employment and leading "normal" lives, while others require lifelong support and supervision.

TYPES OF AUTISM
Autistic Order/Kanner's Syndrome is the most basic form, in which autistic individuals display a lack of interest in the surrounding world, fail to develop normal language or communication skills, resist or are even abhorred by human touch and may spend a great deal of time in their own "inner world", rocking back and forth, flapping their hands, or other self stimulatory activities. Sometimes referred to as Kanner's syndrome, this general presentation occurs in all of the autistic spectrum. Many autistics display tactile and sensory hypersensitivity, appearing to experience extreme pain from music at a normal volume, fluorescent lights and be sensitive to the feel of their shoes or tags in their shirts.

Many autistic children are in constant motion and many also appear fascinated by the motion of other objects, such as the spinning of fans, turning of wheels or toys that spin or rotate. Many autistic children appear content to spend countless hours spinning the wheel of their bicycle rather than riding it.

Young children may not make eye contact with their parents or respond to their names or conversation from their parents.

Those higher functioning cases where some language skills are acquired, the use of language to communicate humor, feelings or abstract philosophical content is absent. Conversational skills are often lacking or awkward. Most autistic individuals have difficulty understanding the feelings of others and may say hurtful or otherwise politically incorrect or socially awkward things. Some may repeat words and phrases verbatim without truly comprehending their meaning. Some autistic individuals may speak in a monotone way or with unusual vocal tones and phrasings.

Many autistic children are also unusually attached to routine and become upset if daily rhythms or rituals are interfered with. Some insist on eating out of the same bowl, sitting in the same place and maintaining precise order to their daily activities. Others may want their parents to read only the same book every night, won't sleep without the right stuffed animal, the right pillow case and the door just so. All of these symptoms may present to a high degree in severe cases or only several symptoms to a minimal degree in mild cases.

Asperger's Syndrome is one of the most common types of autism, and affected individuals are sometimes referred to as "high functioning" autistics. Language skills can be normal or even above average, but social skills, comprehension of jokes, innuendo and emotional content of speech is often lacking. Many with Asperger's syndrome have a narrow range of interests and with maturity into adulthood may have one obsessive interest. With maturity, some individuals slowly improve their language and communication skills and lead fairly normal lives. Others remain socially awkward and have difficulty with employment and relationships.

Asperger's Syndrome differs from Kanner's or basic autism in that children do progress in basic development and continue to learn, although the quality and characteristics of their speech, communication and interests may be atypical. Asperger's individuals will also display some degree of social interaction, though may prefer isolation or small groups and be perceived as shy or or geeks, Communication and social peculiarities may make Asperger's patients appear odd or quirky.

Sometimes classified as a type of Asperger's, Sensory Integration Disorder is characterized by sensory hypersensitivity and abnormal processing of sensory input. The disorder may be characterized by both over or under processing of sensory stimuli. The two may even co-exist where a person who is hypersensitive to external stimuli attempts to self-correct by turning inward and attempting to limit attention to external stimuli. Many individuals may be hypersensitive to background noises such as traffic, fans or a dripping faucet, while others are soothed by spinning objects or flapping ribbons. Some may cover their ears with their hands with normal noises, may want the lights off or be acutely sensitive to tastes and aromas. Many so-called ADD children who must bounce in their chairs, wiggle their feet or tap their pencils to their lips may actually be a type of Sensory Disintegration Disorder and a self-comforting technique. In school, children may be unable to remain focused in an environment with many people, sounds and stimuli, are easily distracted and may be oblivious to the teacher and the tasks at hand.

Many may be hypersensitive to bodily sensations, yet chew their fingernails raw or fail to remove their jackets when they are sweating. Some young children may display peculiar aversions to some textures, scream in pain when touched affectionately and experience great discomfort with clothing and shoes. This sensitivity is referred to as tactile defensiveness.

There may also be difficulty with moving the body in space and fear or discomfort when not firmly seated. Individuals may avoid swings, bicycles, and trampolines that most children enjoy and may be hesitant and fearful with stairs, elevators, bunk beds and simple gymnastics, appearing uncoordinated. While others with sensory integration disorder may spend hours twirling around in space, hanging upside down and moving, bumbling and crashing around the house. Many young children may walk on tiptoe, as the soles of the feet are so sensitive, and far into adulthood avoid going barefoot and dislike walking in sand or grass.

Although language and intelligence may be normal or above average, children may appear lethargic, don't tend to explore their surroundings or engage in imaginative play, avoid exerting themselves and prefer sedentary activities. They may play by themselves without interacting with other children around them.

Rett's Disorder is rare and occurs in females only. Affected children appear to be developing normally in very early childhood but then appear to regress and lose previously acquired social and language skills. The onset of Rett's syndrome is typically noted from the age of 1 to 4 years. The flapping of the hands or other repetitive hand movements often associated with autistic children is common with Rett's disorder girls. Some previously acquired motor skills and function such as feeding and dressing themselves may be lost. In severe cases, seizural disorders and aggressive behavior may manifest. In milder cases, sleep disorders, irritability and general fussiness and crankiness may emerge. Rett's disorder is sometimes fatal in childhood due to brain damage from repetitive uncontrollable seizures. A specific mutation on the X chromosome has been identified. Because skills are attained and then lost, Rett's Disorder is referred to as a type of Regressive Autism.

Also referred to as Heller's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder develops in early childhood with symptoms manifesting around 2 to 4 years of age. Males are more affected than females. Like Rett's syndrome, children appear to regress and loose previously acquired communication, language, and motor skills. After several years of seemingly normal development, young boys withdraw, lose interest in their environment and stop making eye contact. In the most severe cases, all communication and motor skills are lost and affected individuals display all the symptoms of classic autism. Like Rett's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is considered a type of Regressive Autism. It differs from Rett's syndrome in that no genetic link has been identified and affects young boys rather than girls.

Autistic Savants have a very rare disorder where individuals display general autistic symptoms but have exceptional skills in one isolated area such as math, art or music. Some individuals may be able to hear a piece of music once and then sit down at the piano and duplicate it perfectly forever thereafter. Others may have a photographic memory of a street they once walked down and be able to draw it with stunning perspective and accuracy from memory.