When they say autism spectrum, most think Asperger, but classic effects more children, but they can’t tell their story, here is some data.

The autism spectrum encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. Here are the main types of autism along with brief descriptions:

1. Autistic Disorder (Classic Autism): This is the most well-known type of autism, characterized by significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Individuals with autistic disorder often exhibit repetitive behaviors and may have intellectual disabilities. It’s estimated to affect about 1 in 54 children in the USA.
2. Asperger’s Syndrome: Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome typically have average to above-average intelligence and may excel in specific areas of interest. They often struggle with social interactions, repetitive behaviors, and may have intense focus on narrow topics. Asperger’s Syndrome is estimated to affect around 1 in 189 children in the USA.
3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): This diagnosis is used when individuals display some, but not all, of the characteristics of autistic disorder or Asperger’s syndrome. PDD-NOS is often milder than classic autism but still impacts social communication and behavior. It’s estimated to affect a similar proportion of children as autistic disorder.
4. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD): This is a rare and severe type of autism where children develop typically for a period of time before experiencing significant loss of previously acquired skills, such as language, social, and motor skills. CDD affects a very small percentage of the autism population, estimated to be less than 2% of all cases.
5. Rett Syndrome: Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that predominantly affects girls. It’s characterized by severe cognitive and physical impairments, including loss of speech and motor skills, repetitive hand movements, and breathing problems. Rett syndrome is relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of autism cases.
6. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ASD is a broad term that encompasses all types of autism, including autistic disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, and PDD-NOS. It’s characterized by a wide range of symptoms and severity levels, making each individual’s experience unique. ASD affects about 1 in 44 children in the USA, encompassing all types of autism within its spectrum.

These descriptions provide a glimpse into the diversity within the autism spectrum, highlighting the varying presentations and challenges faced by individuals with autism. It’s important to recognize that each person with autism is unique, and interventions and support should be tailored to their specific strengths and needs.

Data comes from:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC regularly publishes data and statistics on autism prevalence in the United States. Their website offers comprehensive information on autism spectrum disorder, including prevalence rates and characteristics of different types of autism.
2. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): NIMH is a leading research organization that provides valuable insights into autism spectrum disorder. They offer information on the latest research findings, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options for autism.
3. Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is an advocacy organization dedicated to promoting autism awareness and supporting individuals with autism and their families. Their website offers resources on different types of autism, prevalence rates, and characteristics of the disorder.
4. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): The AAP provides clinical guidance and recommendations for healthcare professionals working with individuals with autism. Their publications and website may contain information on prevalence rates and descriptions of different types of autism.