% Types of Autism

Autism

Kimberly Bartholomew

COM/156

03/07/2012

Valerie Bradley- Holliday

Autism is a complex developmental disability which there is no cure for. Autism is caused by a neurological disorder. This disorder affects the normal brain functions, which in turn affect the development of the child’s communication, social skills, and behavior. Autism presents itself with in the first three to six years of life. There are many types of autism but there are five that are the most common in our society. The five types are Kanner’s Syndrome, Asperger’s Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not otherwise specified, Rett’s Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. (http://midnightinchicago.wordpress.com)

Kanner’s Syndrome was named after the scientist Dr. Leo Kanner who has done extensive research on this particular type of autism. This form of autism is known as classic autistic disorder. Kanner’s syndrome was sometimes misdiagnosed as schizophrenia in the early stages of Kanner’s research. It was not until the 1950s that Kanner’s research proved helpful in diagnosing children properly. This type of autism presents it signs with in the second or third year of life. The most common symptoms of Kanner’s Syndrome that may present themselves are, problems with social interaction, for example the child will not be interested in sharing his or her feelings whether it be joy, sadness, or pain. They will also have difficulty with making eye contact, their posture, and facial expressions. The next symptom is communication deficits and this includes verbal and nonverbal. Depending on the function level the one that can talk will struggle with starting a conversation or keeping it going. The may also repeat themselves or use repeating phrases or words inappropriately while holding a conversation. They are also unable to detect sarcasm humor or implied meanings during a conversation. They take whatever you say very literally. The last common symptom for this...