Autism continues to baffle researchers, physicians, educators, and parents. While we are coming closer to understanding and even treating autism, a definitive cause has not been found. What is known, however, is that there are different levels of autism. While autism is not considered a progressive disease, symptoms can vary greatly from one child to another. The several types of autism include the following:

• Classical autism
• Asperger Syndrome
• Kanner’s Syndrome
• Retts Syndrome
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
• Pervasive Disintegrative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Autism

Autism is often used as a blanket term that covers all of the various levels and behavior. Symptoms are typically recognized by the time a child reaches three years of age. Some of the most common problems include inability to socialize, unable to make eye contact, loss of verbal skills, withdrawing from the world around him, and more. Once the condition has been diagnosed, there are a variety of techniques and methods that can be used to treat the condition. Success with diet changes has also been noted with some children.

Asperger Syndrome

Children with Asperger Syndrome are usually said to be highly functioning. In many cases, these children are able to attend regular schools, hold down jobs, and live a normal life. The most significant problems associated with this condition include social and communication skills. Children with Asperger’s may struggle with establishing relationships with peers. They often have problems distinguishing literal and figurative statements, and they may have speech difficulties as well. On the other hand, they may be very talented in distinct areas, such as art, music, and drama, and these talents should be encouraged.

Kanner’s Syndrome

Kanner’s syndrome is often referred to as “early infantile autism”. Kanner’s syndrome symptoms typically occur before the age of three, and these symptoms are typical of autism. In many cases, a delay in a child’s development, including speech and social skills is noticed. The child may appear oblivious to his surroundings, focusing in on one or two particular objects instead. He may seem unable to make eye contact with those around him and may not respond to typical communication efforts.

Rett Syndrome

While autism affects more males than females, Rett syndrome is associated only with females. Males who have Rett syndrome die before birth or shortly after. This syndrome is particularly confusing in that children often start out developing normally. However, by 16 to 18 months of age, their development appears to reverse. Motor skills may regress, with some children losing control over their hands and feet. Girls identified with Rett syndrome often exhibit speech delays or a loss of verbal skills.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

The symptoms of childhood disintegrative disorder (often referred to as CDD) are typically noticed between the year of two and four. Again, this condition usually focuses on the disintegration of various abilities, including physical, verbal, mental, and social. Normal development usually occurs before this degenerating period begins. In essence, families notice that their child begins to “disappear” from his normal behavior, instead withdrawing into himself and losing his ability to communicate with those around him.

Pervasive Disintegrative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

A diagnosis of pervasive disintegrative disorder not otherwise specified (often referred to as PDD-NOS) is typically made as long as the specific behaviors can’t be applied to any other disorders located within the autism spectrum. Typical dysfunctions include difficulty interacting socially and problems communicating with others.

It is important to remember that many of the behaviors associated with autism cannot be strictly assigned to one group or category. In many cases, however, treatments and therapies can play an important role in managing autistic behaviors.

Initial Author: Susie McGee
Recent Contributors: Misty Karam, Tammi Reynolds