Here are the 3 main types of Autism Spectrum Disorder

A Quick Guide

Initially, doctors used to diagnose autism based on its 4 different subcategories. Though now, after the revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Health Disorders DSM V in 2013, Autism Spectrum Disorder is used as an umbrella term consisting of 3 different types of autism depending on the level of support they may need. We will discuss these types in detail in this article.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

ASD is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are characterized by deficits in communication, repetitive behaviors, and limited interests. These differences in autistic people are present since childhood and can create problems in their daily life functioning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control And Prevention, around 1 in 44 children had been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the US. Autism is mostly diagnosed in the first 2 years of a person’s life. Boys tend to be diagnosed more than girls though there is evidence suggesting it is due to gender bias that girls with autism tend to go undiagnosed oftentimes. 

What are the three types of Autism?

So the 3 main types of autism are based on the severity of their symptoms along with their effects on a person’s life. These are as follows: 

1. Asperger’s Syndrome: This is quite mild on the spectrum, also known as high-functioning autism at times. A person with Asperger’s syndrome may be highly intelligent. They do not experience complete disruption in their lives. Though they still may have issues with socializing.
2. Pervasive Developmental Disorder:  A person may have symptoms that are not as severe as autistic people but are more intense than those with Asperger’s syndrome. 
3. Autistic Disorder: This is the most severe case on the autism spectrum. These individuals face extreme issues in their daily life functioning.  

Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s syndrome is considered to be quite mild on the autism spectrum. These people may have unusual interests, behaviors, and social challenges. Though they do not show any intellectual disability and are relatively good in academics. Below are some of the characteristics a person with Asperger’s may show: 

• Creative or intellectual curiosity
• Delayed motor development
• Detail-oriented 
• Inadequate social skills
• Masters of routine
• Not socially-driven
• Persistence
• Strong morals
• The growth of negative psychological issues
• Variations in speech

Autistic Disorder

This is what people think of the moment they hear the word autism. People with Autistic disorder tend to have significant language delays, communication problems, and unusual interests and behavior. They may also have intellectual disabilities as well. Autistic Disorder is the most severe on the autism spectrum.

People with autistic Disorder often:

• Experience problems in communication
• Feel sensory overload
• Have a difficult time accepting touch from others
• Have repetitive behaviors such as fidgeting or hand flapping

Pervasive Developmental Disorder

This is also known as atypical autism. A person with this type of autism does not have all but some of the symptoms of the other two types of ASD. Often a person is diagnosed with this type of disorder if they have issues in communication but no other symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome such as limited interests, and developmental delays. These people tend to live the most normal lives of all types of Autism.

No matter what level a person may be on the autism spectrum, it can be really difficult to manage their lives. So it is important that a person gets an early diagnosis and starts their treatment accordingly. Learn more about the Types Of Behavioral Therapy For Autism Spectrum Disorders.

We hope you found this article useful in understanding more about the 3 main types of autism spectrum disorder. Learn more about Common Comorbid Psychiatric Disorders In Autism.