A DISCUSSION OF AUTISM SUBTYPES

By Yolande LOFTUS, BA, LLB

Your autistic child’s behavior may not conform to “classic” characteristics described by doctors and research. Does the spectrum have subtypes meaning autism may manifest uniquely according to differing categories? This used to be the case until an umbrella term, autism spectrum disorders, was introduced.

The spectrum nature of autism makes it difficult to diagnose; it also means it is difficult to categorize. Perhaps realizing this, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM–5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) merged the subtypes into a single diagnosis called autism spectrum disorders (ASD). While some feel the subtypes were flawed, others feel a single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders may exclude borderline cases of autism.

Before the DSM-5 replaced the subcategories with a single diagnosis, a patient could be diagnosed with five independent disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000). The subtypes listed under Pervasive Developmental Disorders were: autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, and Rett syndrome.

Even though these terms are no longer officially used, parents often ask about the subtypes, (particularly Asperger’s) as teachers, clinicians, and the media sometimes refer to these categories. A quick description of each subtype will be provided, followed by a discussion of the single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and its implications.

Autistic disorder

This category, or subtype, correlates with what was once considered “classic autism.”

Characterized by severe socio-communication challenges and restricted/repetitive behaviors, this was, in some cases, the most recognizable presentation of autism.