Types Of Autism

Autism itself is called "autistic disorder" or "infantile autism". The main features of autism are difficulties with social interaction and communication, as well as restricted or repetitive behaviors like lining up objects or hand flapping. 

The different types of autism were originally developed for the purpose of diagnosis and research. In the past, there were many different diagnostic labels for people with autism-like symptoms, and it could be difficult to compare research studies. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) eventually grouped all the autism-like conditions into one category called "pervasive developmental disorder," which was later changed to "autism spectrum disorder."

The original diagnostic labels were developed in the 20th century, starting with "infantile autism" in the 1940s. In the 1980s, the DSM-III grouped autism and a number of other conditions under the category of "pervasive developmental disorder." In the 1990s, Asperger's syndrome was added to the diagnostic criteria. The diagnostic labels have continued to change over the years. In the 2000s, the term "autism spectrum disorder" was first used in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition), and it became the official diagnosis in the DSM-5. The DSM-5 also removed the separate diagnoses of Asperger's syndrome and PDD-NOS.  Instead, all the different autism-like conditions are now included under the umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. 

Types Of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Classic Autism: Classic autism which is sometimes called "autistic disorder", "Kanner's syndrome" or "autism spectrum disorder level 3". This type of autism is characterized by significant impairments in social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive behaviors and limited interests. The exact cause of classic autism is unknown, but it's thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The risk factors for classic autism include having a family history of autism or being born prematurely.

Pervasive development disorder(PDD):  PDD-NOS is characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, as well as restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. However, the impairments are less severe than those seen in autism. The impairments in PDD-NOS also do not occur before age 3, whereas autism is usually diagnosed before age 3.  Some people with PDD-NOS develop some symptoms of autism later in life, while others do not.  

Pervasive Developmental Disorder is classified as an autistic spectrum disorder but there are some confusions and disagreement about it. Some experts consider PDD to be an umbrella term that included a range of condition, including autism and Asperger's syndrome. Others view it as a single condition known as "atypical autism". 

Asperger's Syndrome: This type of autism is characterized by difficulty with social interaction and nonverbal communication. In the DSM-IV, Asperger's syndrome is classified as a type of PDD-NOS. However, it is often considered a separate condition from autism. People with Asperger's syndrome have the same social and communication impairments as those with autism, but their intellectual ability is usually average or above average. They may also have trouble understanding humor or sarcasm, and they may speak in a monotone voice. They also do not have any significant delay in language development, unlike people with autism. The  exact cause of Asperger's syndrome is still unknown. Experts believe there are many probable factors which may contribute to a child developing Asperger's syndrome which includes a combination of neurological, environmental, genetic and psychological factors which cause autistic spectrum disorders.

Rett Syndrome: Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects almost exclusively females. It is characterised by early growth and development, which is then followed by;

• A very slow movement
• Lack of speech
• Unusual Hand movements
• Teeth grinding
• Problems with walking, walking on toes or wide-based gait
• Seizures, breathing difficulty while awake
• Sleep problems. 

Rett syndrome is caused by a mutation in a gene called MECP2 (methyl CpG binding protein 2) (pronounced meck-pea-two) gene. Which makes a protein called  methyl cytosine binding protein 2 (MeCP2) . This protein is needed for brain development and helps turn other genes on and off. When the MECP2 gene is mutated, it cannot make enough MeCP2 protein, or the protein that it does make does not work properly. This causes changes in brain development, which leads to the symptoms of Rett syndrome.  

There's no known cure for retirement syndrome but there are treatments which focus on treating specific symptoms or behaviors seen in Rett Syndrome. 

On my next post we'll be talking about boarder line personality disorder,which is a mental condition that severely impacts on a person's ability to manage their emotions... Stay tuned for more.

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