*Types of autism spectrum disorders*
Autism spectrum disorders include social, communication, and behavioral challenges. These problems can be mild, severe, or somewhere in between. A diagnosis is based on the level of support needed - so getting an early diagnosis means treatment can begin sooner.
Until recently, experts talked about different types of autism, such as autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). But now they are all called “autism spectrum disorders.”
Asperger’s syndrome:
Asperger’s syndrome was the term used before 2013, but now it has been reclassified as level I ASD by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
Young people with Asperger's syndrome can communicate with others and perform well in school, but they have difficulty socially connecting with others. Their behavior and thought patterns can be inflexible and repetitive.
Rett syndrome:
Rett syndrome is a type of ASD that affects 1 in every 10,000 women and rarely affects men. It is often diagnosed in children aged 6 to 18 months when they begin to fail developmental milestones or lose previously acquired abilities.
Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD):
CDD is a rare condition that was merged into ASD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
Kanner’s syndrome:
Kanner’s syndrome is also referred to as classic autistic disorder.
Children with Kanner's syndrome will appear smart, attentive, and clever, with the disorder's underlying traits
Pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS):
When a kid with learning and behavioral difficulties does not fulfill all the diagnostic criteria for a particular category of autism, then the diagnosis made will be PDD-NOS.
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