Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. ASD is a spectrum disorder, meaning that no two people with autism will have the same symptoms. While there are many different symptoms associated with ASD, there are five primary disorders of autism that are commonly diagnosed.
1. Autistic Disorder: Autistic disorder is the most common form of ASD and is characterized by impaired social functioning, difficulty with communication, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. People with autistic disorder may have difficulty engaging in reciprocal conversations, interpreting non-verbal communication, or making friends.
2. Asperger Syndrome: Asperger syndrome is similar to autistic disorder, but is characterized by normal language development and higher intelligence. People with Asperger syndrome often have difficulty with social interactions, and often lack the ability to understand the emotions of others.
3. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: Childhood disintegrative disorder is characterized by a regression in language, social, and behavioral skills after a period of normal development. Symptoms of this disorder may include impaired communication, social interactions, and behavior.
4. Rett Syndrome: Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that is found almost exclusively in females. Symptoms of Rett syndrome include impaired communication and social skills, as well as repetitive hand movements and a loss of purposeful use of the hands.
5. Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): PDD-NOS is a diagnosis used to describe children who have some symptoms of autism, but do not meet the criteria for a specific disorder. People with PDD-NOS may have difficulty with communication and social interactions, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors.
No two people with ASD will have the same symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. It is important to seek a diagnosis from a qualified professional in order to identify the best treatment plan for each individual with ASD.