Characteristics of Autism and Related Disorders

High Functioning Autism

• Usually not identifiable at birth
• Able to communicate
• Want to engage in communication
• Speak in complete sentences
• May have comprehension problems
• IQ’s are normal or near normal
• Can interact socially with mild or moderate impairment
• May be in a mainstream classroom in school with assistance
• May hold a job
• May live in a community with varying degrees of independence
• how improvement following therapy
• Express emotions and affection
• May have specific routines or rituals that interfere only minimally with daily activities

Low Functioning Autism

• Often seem “different” from birth and are identified and diagnosed early
•  Generally unable to communicate verbally
• IQ’s may be low to the point of retardation
• Severely impaired socially
• Display minimal social interaction and inconsistent responsiveness to others
•  May not hold a job
• May not achieve independence
• Often do not understand receptive language
• Do not express emotions (except anger)
• Show extreme resistance to changes in activities and routines

Rare Autism Spectrum Disorders

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

•  Very rare form of ASD
• More common in males
• Symptoms usually occur between ages 3 and 4
• Child displays age-appropriate communication and social skills before symptoms begin
• Extensive and pronounced loss in motor, language, and social skills
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Often associated with seizures
• Very low IQ

Rett Syndrome

• More common in females
• Child displays normal development before autism-like symptoms develop between 6 and 18 months
• Mental and social development regresses
•  No longer respond to parents
• No interest in any social contact
•  If the child has been talking, they stop
• Cannot control feet movements
•  Wringing of the hands

References
2005. High vs. low functioning autism: Not a clinical diagnosis but a relevant observation to the mystery of autism. Retrieved February 24, 2006 from http://autism.about.com.
2004. Autism spectrum disorders (pervasive development disorders). Retrieved February 24, 2006 from http://www.nimh.nih.gov.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders Teacher Training. Vanderbilt Child Development Center.