Atypical Autism

Atypical autism is a type of autism that may go undiagnosed for years. Parents who suspect autism but find that their child does not have many of the common autism symptoms should learn the characteristics of atypical autism. Since this type of autism is easily missed, it is important for parents to recognize symptoms and seek treatment. Early intervention provides the best chance for a healthy and productive life for all children with autism.

Learn how to recognize autism symptoms.

Atypical autism is a neurological disorder that affects social behavior, language development and creative expression. This type of autism may occur at a later age than most cases of autism. An affected child commonly does not show autism symptoms until after age three. Individuals do not have a number of common autism symptoms, which is why it is called atypical.

Atypical autism is the old term for pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorder, Fourth Edition, Revised Text (DSM IV-TR), refers to atypical autism as PDD-NOS. The DSM describes the autism spectrum disorder as pervasive development disorders (PDD) and breaks it up into five PDDs. PDD-NOS is one of five neurological disorders that includes autism, Asperger's syndrome, Rett syndrome and childhood disintegrative disorder.

Although each person experiences autism differently, the atypical autism symptoms generally focus on the three areas of impairment - social skills, language development and imaginative expression. Some cases may include other symptoms such as sensory issues. A dysfunction in sensory integration can cause a person to have problems processing sensory information, which can present itself in a preference for unusual colors and repetitive behavior such as flapping hands for self-stimulation.

A case of autism may include other sets of symptoms since an atypical autism diagnosis sometimes occurs when someone has any number of autism spectrum symptoms but the symptoms do not fit the diagnostic criteria of any other PDD.

Other terms for the atypical type of autism are atypical PDD and atypical personality development.

Symptoms can vary greatly since each case of autism is unique. The characteristics of atypical autism can include the following:

• Symptoms present during late toddler years
• Social skills difficulties, which may include problems with eye contact
• May show no interest in making friends or has trouble making friends
• Problems developing a vocabulary or loss of previously gained language skills
• Communication difficulties
• Limited speech
• No pretend play or limited imaginative play
• Takes language literally and has problems with subtlety
• Problems understanding nonverbal gestures
• Does not understand others emotions and may respond inappropriately or appear unemotional
• Prefers strict schedule and routines
• Self-stimulatory behaviors such as hand flapping or rocking back and forth
• Unusual play activities such as flipping objects for hours or fixating on an object such as floor tile for hours
• Difficulties properly processing sensory information and has unusual reaction to certain smells, sounds, tastes, sights, textures or colors

The range of symptoms in affected people can be quite different. One person may be interested in making friends but does not communicate well and reacts inappropriately to social situations. Another person might understand how to communicate well but prefers solitude and has a limited range of interests, especially activities that involve other people.

Cases of atypical autism can be mild or severe. Some people are high functioning and others have severe impairments in language, communication and social skills. Mild cases are often overlooked for years by both parents and doctors before diagnosis.

Parents who recognize autistic type symptoms in children should seek autism screening as soon as possible. The right diagnosis is important to get effective treatment plans. All levels of atypical autism are highly treatable with current behavioral therapies and medical treatments.

Contact local autism support organizations to find a list of recommended doctors and therapists. Many autism support organizations have websites with information on local chapters and recommended autism experts. The following websites have helpful information for finding autism research, support groups and doctor lists:

• Autism Society of America
• Autism Support Network
• National Autism Association
• Autism Research Institute
• Autism Link
• Generation Rescue
• Autism Help Site

Atypical autism may not fit the definition of other conditions within the autism spectrum. However, the same types autism treatments can help improve the lives of people with this type of autism. Since the condition is easy to miss in high functioning cases, parents need to be vigilant about noticing any developmental delays that may indicate autism. Early intervention is key to making significant improvements in both mild and severe symptoms.

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• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

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• PDD NOS
• Autism Defined
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