Autistic children can have drastically different symptoms, though the root issues are very similar.
Distinguishing the Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism is the general term used to describe several conditions included in the spectrum of autism disorders. Autism spectrum disorders may also be called pervasive developmental disorders. You can think of autism spectrum disorders as varying degrees of autism, which are often referred to under the umbrella name of autism.
Here are the main differences between the autism spectrum disorders:
- How old the child is when symptoms begin
- How many symptoms a child has, what types, and how significant they are
- Severity of impairment in social situations
- How well the child can function
Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Here are the autism spectrum disorders, and how they differ from each other:
- Autism. This may also be referred to as classical autism. It's the most common of the autism spectrum disorders. The three primary symptoms of autism include problems interacting socially; repeating words or actions, like rocking; and difficulty with communication, both verbal and non-verbal. Children with autism also may exhibit a lack of interest in all but a few subjects, which they may be obsessively interested in. In addition to having verbal language problems (for example, using tenses and pronouns incorrectly), children with autism appear to be isolated, withdrawn, unemotional, and uncomfortable in social situations.
- Asperger syndrome. The symptoms of Asperger syndrome are considered to be the least severe of the autism spectrum disorders. Like those with autism, children with Asperger syndrome have problems communicating and interacting socially. However, they have good verbal communication skills and more extensive vocabularies and use proper grammar, although they have a difficult time interpreting and responding appropriately to body language. Children with Asperger syndrome are very sensitive to overstimulation of the senses, such as loud noises, bright lights, and bold tastes. The characteristic symptom of Asperger syndrome is an obsession with a particular thing or subject and having little or no interest in anything else.
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). This autism spectrum disorder is used to classify children who don't meet all of the criteria for autism, but do have some of the symptoms. Children with PDD-NOS have difficulty expressing emotions and interacting with other people. They also avoid eye contact and can be resistant to change. While children with PDD-NOS don't have every symptom that children with autism do, some of their symptoms may be very mild, while others are quite severe.
- Rett syndrome. Children with this disorder initially show autism-like symptoms, but often after a period of normal growth and development. Rett syndrome, more than autism, causes many physical delays and disabilities. Children often become unable to speak, and muscles weaken to the point where the hands can't function properly.
- Childhood disintegrative disorder. Unlike those with autism, children with this condition have healthy development until about age 2. Between the ages of 3 and 4, symptoms of childhood disintegrative disorder appear. While related to autism and causing some similar symptoms like poor social skills, poor verbal communication skills, and not playing or interacting well with others, this disorder has more physical symptoms. Skills that were once developed are lost, and neurological problems like deteriorating motor skills, control of bladder and bowels, and missing developmental milestones are the key symptoms.
Though all of these disorders have some similarities, there are clear differences as well. There is still much to be learned about autism spectrum disorders, but many can be managed with the right therapy.
Last Updated: 1/11/2010