Definition
Autism is an umbrella term for developmental disorders that are marked by persistent, ongoing problems with social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive behavior patterns, interests, and activities. However, the term is now frequently referred to as autism spectrum “condition” rather than “disorder,” as it is less stigmatizing and it represents individuals that have disabilities that require a medical diagnosis. It also describes areas of cognitive strength.
We now use the term “spectrum” to incorporate the fact that autism-related challenges can range from mild to severe and vary somewhat from person to person. While they share common issues, every person on the autism spectrum will have unique challenges and different levels of ability and disability. Being autistic will affect each person differently, as we are all unique.
Unique Conditions On The Spectrum
Often thought of as a high-functioning form of autism, Asperger’s is characterized by a fixation on certain subject matters, difficulty reading social signs, and an unusual speech pattern. Those with Asperger’s have average to above-average intelligence and lack the learning difficulties associated with autism. They often go on to achieve academic success and may find careers that let them focus specifically on their special interest.
High-functioning autism is very similar to Asperger syndrome and both are part of the “autism spectrum.” However, an HFA diagnosis requires that the child has delayed language early in development, whereas a child with AS will not show a significant delay in language development.
The challenges associated with genetic condition fragile x, like autism and Down’s syndrome, range from mild to severe. There are many similarities between the symptoms of fragile x and autism, such as delayed speech and language development, anxiety, short attention span, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, difficulty relating to others, dislike of eye contact, the need for routine, hand flapping, biting, repetitive speech, or echolalia. It is also possible for people to have both autism and fragile x.
A loss of language that typically develops in children between the ages of 3 and 7, is what differentiates this syndrome. While children with Landau-Kleffner syndrome may initially meet developmental milestones for speech and vocabulary, they will eventually lose their ability to understand and speak. These changes may occur gradually over a period of time or all of a sudden. In contrast to autism, where language skills may be delayed or limited, an individual with Landau-Kleffner syndrome will fail to respond to sounds, experiences abnormal brain waves during sleep, and will have a high propensity to develop epilepsy. In fact, LKS is now considered a rare form of epilepsy rather than just an early indicator.
While sometimes associated with autism, Prader-Willi syndrome should not be thought of as just a subtype of the disorder. However, it does fall on the autism spectrum. While they can have eating problems as infants, individuals with PWS are typically obsessed with food, tend to eat impulsively, and may be overweight. They often have developmental and intellectual disabilities, sleep discomfort, temper tantrums, and high tolerance to pain. Most individuals with PWS are found to be missing a portion of their chromosome number 15.
A neurological disorder, unlike autism, Rett syndrome affects more women than men. While their pathologies are different, the symptoms and behaviors of RS and autism are similar, placing it on the spectrum. Children with RS will typically make repetitive hand movements, walk on their toes, engage in prolonged body rocking, and have a stiff and unstable gait. They may also have a smaller than average-sized heads and breathing difficulties. Some will regress in their cognition and development throughout their lifetime.
In addition to the symptoms of autism, individuals with this syndrome are characterized by the involuntary movements usually associated with neuroleptic medication withdrawal, such as facial tics, eye blinking, head nodding, and a shuffling gait. Those afflicted with this may also have trouble eating, standing, walking, and breathing.
A genetic disorder marked primarily by intellectual disability, this syndrome occurs when a portion of DNA on chromosome number seven is missing. Many individuals exhibit autistic behavior as well as cardiovascular issues, very social traits, an affinity for music. They tend to have pixie-like facial features such as wide-set eyes and mouth, and a narrow chin, as well as elevated calcium levels.
Pathological demand avoidance is now recognized as part of the autism spectrum. Individuals with PDA will avoid demands made by other people due to their anxiety-based need to be in control. Individuals with PDA often have better social communication skills than others on the spectrum and will often use this to their advantage.