What Is Atypical Autism? Definition, Symptoms & Causes

What is Atypical Autism?

Atypical autism, also known as pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), is a type of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that is characterized by mild to moderate symptoms of autism. It is considered atypical because it does not fit the criteria for classic autism or Asperger's syndrome.

Symptoms of Atypical Autism

The symptoms of atypical autism can vary greatly from person to person. However, some common symptoms include:

Social difficulties: People with atypical autism may have difficulty with social interactions and may struggle to make friends.
Communication difficulties: They may have difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication, such as understanding sarcasm or body language.
Repetitive behaviors: People with atypical autism may engage in repetitive behaviors, such as hand flapping or rocking back and forth.
Sensory issues: They may be sensitive to certain sounds, textures, or smells.
Difficulty with change: People with atypical autism may struggle with changes in routine or unexpected events.

Diagnosis of Atypical Autism

Diagnosing atypical autism can be challenging because it is a broad category that includes a wide range of symptoms. However, a diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a team of professionals, including a psychologist, psychiatrist, and speech therapist.

Treatment of Atypical Autism

There is no cure for atypical autism, but early intervention can help improve outcomes. Treatment typically involves a combination of therapies, such as behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Medications may also be prescribed to manage symptoms such as anxiety or depression.

The Differences Between Atypical Autism and Classic Autism

While atypical autism shares some similarities with classic autism, there are also some key differences between the two. One of the main differences is that people with atypical autism may have milder symptoms than those with classic autism.

Another difference is that individuals with atypical autism may not display all of the diagnostic criteria for classic autism.

For instance, a person with atypical autism may have difficulty with social interactions and communication, but they may not engage in the same level of repetitive behaviors or have the same sensory sensitivities as someone with classic autism.

Additionally, individuals with atypical autism may be better able to function in everyday life than those with classic autism.

It's important to note that while there are differences between these two types of ASD, they still share many commonalities. Both conditions can benefit from early intervention and a personalized treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs.

Prevalence of Atypical Autism in the General Population

The prevalence of atypical autism is difficult to estimate due to its broad range of symptoms and lack of a clear diagnostic criteria.

However, it is believed that atypical autism may be more common than classic autism.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 54 children in the United States are diagnosed with an ASD, and it is estimated that up to 75% of those cases fall under the category of atypical autism.

Research suggests that atypical autism may be more prevalent in boys than girls, although this could be due to differences in diagnosis rates.

Additionally, some studies have suggested that certain genetic factors may increase the risk of developing atypical autism.

Despite its prevalence, many people with atypical autism go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This can lead to difficulties accessing appropriate support and interventions.

It's important for healthcare professionals and educators to be aware of the signs and symptoms of atypical autism so that they can provide early intervention and support for those who need it.

How to Support a Loved One with Atypical Autism

If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with atypical autism, you may be wondering how best to support them. Here are some tips that can help:

Educate yourself: Learning more about atypical autism can help you understand your loved one's experiences and needs better. Talk to their healthcare providers, read books or articles, and attend workshops or support groups for families of individuals with ASD.
Communicate effectively: People with atypical autism may struggle with communication, so it's important to use clear and simple language when speaking to them. Avoid using sarcasm or idioms that may be confusing.
Be patient: Individuals with atypical autism may need more time to process information or make decisions, so it's important to be patient and avoid rushing them.
Focus on strengths: While it's important to address any challenges your loved one may face, it's also crucial to focus on their strengths and interests. Encourage them to pursue activities they enjoy and celebrate their accomplishments.
Provide structure and routine: People with atypical autism often thrive in structured environments where they know what is expected of them. Providing a consistent routine can help reduce anxiety and promote independence.
Seek professional support: There are many professionals who specialize in working with individuals with ASD, including therapists, behavior analysts, and occupational therapists. Seeking out these services can help your loved one develop new skills and cope with any challenges they may face.

By following these tips, you can help support your loved one with atypical autism as they navigate through life. Remember that every individual is unique, so it's important to tailor your approach based on their specific needs and preferences.

The Impact of Atypical Autism on Daily Life and Functioning

Atypical autism can have a significant impact on daily life and functioning.

While the symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, many individuals with atypical autism may struggle with social interactions, communication, and sensory processing. These challenges can make it difficult to navigate everyday situations, such as school or work.

Social interactions can be particularly challenging for individuals with atypical autism.

They may struggle to understand social cues, such as facial expressions or body language, which can make it hard to form friendships or maintain relationships. This difficulty with social interactions can also lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Communication can also be a significant challenge for those with atypical autism.

They may have trouble understanding sarcasm or figurative language, which can make it difficult to follow conversations or instructions.

Some individuals with atypical autism may also struggle with verbal communication and may prefer nonverbal methods of communication, such as sign language or written notes.

Sensory sensitivities are common among individuals with atypical autism. They may be hypersensitive to certain sounds, textures, smells, or visual stimuli.

This sensitivity can cause discomfort and even pain in some cases.

As a result, individuals with atypical autism may avoid certain environments or activities that they find overwhelming.

These challenges can impact daily functioning in a variety of ways. For example, an individual with atypical autism may struggle in school due to difficulties with social interactions and communication. They may require additional support from teachers and other professionals in order to succeed academically.

In the workplace, individuals with atypical autism may face similar challenges when it comes to social interactions and communication. However, they may also excel in areas that require attention to detail or repetitive tasks.

Overall, the impact of atypical autism on daily life and functioning will depend on the individual's specific symptoms and needs. However, by providing appropriate support and accommodations, individuals with atypical autism can learn strategies for managing their challenges and living fulfilling lives.

Common Misconceptions about Atypical Autism and How to Address Them

Despite an increased awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there are still many misconceptions about the condition, including atypical autism. Here are some common misconceptions and ways to address them:

Misconception #1: People with atypical autism are intellectually disabled.

Fact: While individuals with atypical autism may have challenges in social interactions, communication, and sensory processing, they can also have significant strengths and abilities. Many individuals with atypical autism have average or above-average intelligence and can excel in areas such as math, science, music, or art.

How to address it: Educate others about the wide range of abilities seen in people with atypical autism. Encourage people to focus on an individual's strengths rather than their challenges.

Misconception #2: Atypical autism is caused by bad parenting or a lack of discipline.

Fact: Atypical autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is not caused by poor parenting or a lack of discipline.

How to address it: Educate others about the causes of atypical autism. Encourage them to avoid blaming parents or caregivers for their child's condition.

Misconception #3: People with atypical autism don't want friends or relationships.

Fact: Many individuals with atypical autism do desire friendships and romantic relationships but may struggle with social interactions or communication skills required for forming these connections.

How to address it: Encourage opportunities for social interaction while providing support and guidance as needed. Help individuals develop social skills through coaching or therapy sessions.

Misconception #4: Individuals with atypical autism cannot live independently.

Fact: With appropriate support and accommodations, many individuals with atypical autism can live independently as adults. This may include assistance from caregivers, therapists, housing programs, vocational training programs, or other community resources.

How to address it: Educate others about the potential for independence in people with atypical autism. Encourage access to resources that can help them achieve this goal.

Conclusion

Atypical autism is a type of autism spectrum disorder that is characterized by mild to moderate symptoms of autism. It can be challenging to diagnose, but early intervention and treatment can help improve outcomes. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have atypical autism, it is important to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a team of professionals.

References

Steven Zauderer

CEO & Founder

CEO of CrossRiverTherapy - a national ABA therapy company based in the USA.