5 Different Types of Autism: Finding Support in McKinney, Texas

Have you ever wondered if there were different types of autism? Technically, the answer is no. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that primarily affects communication and social skills.

At one time it was thought to be a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) consisting of five different subcategories. The American Psychiatric Association (APA), however, came to believe that these diagnostic categories were describing the same symptoms, with varying degrees of severity, under different labels. McKinney Christian Counseling provides guidance and support for individuals and families navigating these diagnoses, offering faith-based counseling to help manage challenges with understanding and care.

In their updated edition of the DSM (DSM-5), the APA changed the label autism, to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), an umbrella term that includes all the conditions providers previously considered separate.

Instead of five different types of autism to account for the nuances of the disorder, everyone with autistic traits now receives the same diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This new, all-encompassing diagnosis is then narrowed down into three differentiating levels according to the severity of the person’s symptoms and the level of support they need.

So, for instance, someone who is high functioning and has low support needs would be classified as level 1 ASD, someone with moderate support needs as level 2 ASD, and someone with high support needs as level 3 ASD.

Although autism spectrum disorder is now the official diagnosis used for insurance coding purposes, some providers, and autistic people themselves, still use the dated labels in conversation.

Following is an overview of the different types of autism no longer acknowledged, and how they are accounted for within the current diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

Original Five Types of Autism and How They Have Been Reclassified

Autistic disorder

Autistic disorder, also known as Kanner’s syndrome, was a diagnosis given to children who exhibited classic autism symptoms such as significant language delays, repetitive behaviors, communication challenges, and supersensitivity to sensory stimuli. This now correlates with level 3 ASD.

Asperger’s syndrome

Prior to DSM-5, people with mild symptoms and low support needs were diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. These were children who develop language skills on the same timeline as their neurotypical peers, can communicate well enough verbally to do well in school, hold down a job, and handle their daily life, but have difficulty with social interactions and may show signs of repetitive behaviors.

Asperger’s syndrome is now reclassified as level 1 ASD. However, despite its removal from the DSM, many people with Asperger’s still identify with the term informally and use it to describe themselves.

Childhood disintegrative disorder

Childhood disintegrative disorder was a diagnosis given to a specific group of children with late-onset autism and intense symptoms, who started out developing normally until about the age of 3 or 4 and then lost most or all of their skills and abilities.

This form of autism has now been absorbed into the ASD umbrella and reclassified as level 3 ASD, lumping these children in with all the others who have high support needs and severe symptoms.

Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)

Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, also known as atypical autism, was a catchall diagnosis for children who exhibited some autistic traits but didn’t fully fit the criteria for the other forms of autism. Since symptoms in this category could range anywhere from very mild to very intense, it was eliminated.

Rett Syndrome

Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that mostly affects girls. It includes autism-like traits, as well as physical symptoms such as seizures, loss of hand functionality, and impaired mobility. It can be diagnosed through a blood test and is no longer considered to be an autism spectrum disorder.

Finding Support in McKinney, Texas

If you have questions or need more information than what this article on different types of autism could provide, please give us a call at Texas Christian Counseling in McKinney. Your Christian counselor in McKinney Christian Counseling, Texas can help you find autism treatment options that work well for you and your family.