What Is Atypical Autism

What is atypical autism? In atypical autism, the child displays symptoms of autism, but the symptoms are not enough to meet specific criteria for diagnosis.

Alternative treatments for autism can be helpful.

It is difficult to understand what atypical autism is specifically because it is simply a term given to conditions that have some of the characteristics of autism, but not all of them. The most common symptom of atypical autism is pervasive development disorder, or PDD. It may also go by "not otherwise specified", or NOS. Other symptoms may differ among patients. In most situations, it is difficult to find two people with the same symptoms diagnosed with atypical autism.

Although there is a great deal of variation between the sets of symptoms individuals will have; generally people fall into three categories.

• Language Development Impairment
• Social Behavior Impairment
• Creative or Imaginative Impairment

In some situations, it is also possible for a fourth group to be in use, called Dysfunctional Sensory Integration. Some atypical patients will have all four groups in common, but the severity of each will be different. Diagnosing a patient with this condition is difficult.

An example of how a child with atypical autism social behavior impairment compared to that of a "typical" autism child may show the difference. A child with autism may not partake in any social interaction and will prefer to remain in solitude rather than socializing. The child does not respond properly to interactions and does not appear to be interested in having friends. Conversely, an atypical child may not understand nonverbal communications, but is interested in socializing to some extent. He may not like to speak to other people socially, but does interact.

In the creative or imaginative impairment area, children with atypical autism may struggle with sign language, or they may need the visual aid of signs to process spoken language. This child tends to take statements literally. It is common to spend a great deal of time teaching these aspects as well. It may take a long time for the child to recognize and understand topics taught.

What is atypical autism and how is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis occurs through observation and some testing of the child's abilities. Much of the information comes from parents and caretakers. If a doctor believes that the child may be autistic but does not meet all of the criteria to fall into the autism spectrum, the child may have the label as atypically autistic.

Common autism myths

With this diagnosis likely come more questions. There is not one specific treatment option for children who are atypical. Rather, doctors are likely to treat the situation on a symptom-by-symptom basis. There is no cure for the condition. Relief from particular symptoms depends on severity and the type of symptom. When symptoms are accurately treated, there may be some improvement for the patient.

In some cases, the best treatment for an atypical autistic child will be one on one therapy for a great portion of the day. On the other hand, some children will require less interaction and will improve more so. It is imperative that anyone working with the child fully understands the child's needs and treatment options. The process may also need to be a trial and error by which various treatment options are in use until one seems to have positive results. Even then, there is a need for the treatment to be used long term to see marked improvement in less severe children.

Atypical autism is just as its name describes, not typical of what autism is. Doctors have much more to learn about this particular condition. Treatment options and coping methods are still in development across the board. Although difficult, atypical autism is a long-term condition without any immediate treatment options available.

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