Types of Autism

Types of autism spectrum disorder include Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Rett syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, and classical autism. Characteristics of these types of autism include impaired social interaction and communication skills, and a limited range of activities and interests.

 

Types of Autism: A Summary

Autism is one of five types of autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorders are developmental brain disorders. These disorders are characterized by impaired social interaction and communication skills, and a limited range of activities and interests.
 
Other types of autism spectrum disorder include:
 

Types of Autism: Statistics

Data from several studies that used the current criteria for diagnosing autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), such as Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disabilities (PDD-NOS), found occurrence rates for autism spectrum disorders between 2 and 6 per 1,000 individuals. Therefore, it can be summarized that between 1 in 500 (2/1,000) to 1 in 166 children (6/1,000) have an ASD.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD