1. Autism Is a Broad Term for a Wide Spectrum
While there are common characteristics in people with autism, the severity of the behaviors varies widely. Autism is commonly defined by a deficit in social and communication abilities, with some various unusual behaviors associated. Researchers are working to narrow down more exact types of autism to better diagnose those with this disorder. There are now several types of autism or autism-related disorders, such as classic autism, high-functioning autism, Asperger's syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified and sensory processing disorder.
2. Classic Autism Is the Most Severe Type
Individuals with classic autism lack social and communication skills. Their abilities to communicate can range from nonverbal to showing some delays in language. They often seek to be isolated or distant from others, especially in play. The stereotype is of a child rocking in the corner or banging his head against the wall, but very few fit that outdated mold. More commonly, individuals with autism show a delay in processing information, a strong need for strict routines, a lack of intuition or awareness of their surroundings and repetitive behaviors, such as hand flapping.
3. High-Functioning Autism Responds Well to Therapies
People with autism often do not respond as quickly to therapies and treatment as those who have high-functioning autism. Individuals with high-functioning autism often make huge gains with speech, behavior or occupational therapies and other treatments. They usually can function in a more typical setting than those with classic autism. However, those with high-functioning autism still display unusual or difficult behaviors. When people do not present enough characteristics to be designated as autistic, they are often referred to as having Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Individuals with PDD-NOS often display challenges in language or social skills, but not the full characteristics of autism.
4. Asperger's is Close to Autism
Most people with Asperger's syndrome have delayed social and communication skills. However, unlike autism, they usually do not display a delay in language skills. In fact, while those with autism seek to be alone, people with Asperger's usually try to be social. But, they show a deficit with social behavior skills. Those diagnosed with Asperger's usually display some repetitive, rigid or difficult behaviors. However, individuals with Asperger's can often go undiagnosed because of their high language skills.
5. Individuals With Autism Can Suffer From Sensory Processing Disorder
While this is not really a type of autism, so many people with autism struggle with using their senses. The most common characteristic of sensory processing in autism is poor eye contact. It can be overly stimulating for a person with autism to look you in the eye. People with autism may also have a high sensitivity to sound, touch, sight or taste. Most do not display high sensitivity to all of these at once.
