Atypical Autism

WHAT IS ATYPICAL AUTISM?

Atypical autism is the term used when the person’s behaviour pattern fits most but not all the criteria for typical autism. Atypical autism usually differs from autism in terms either of age of onset or of failure to fulfil all three sets of autism diagnostic criteria. Atypical autism is likely to become manifest only after 3 years of age and it is a type of autism that may go undiagnosed for years.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ATYPICAL AUTISM?

Parents who suspect that their child may be autistic but find that their child does not have many of the common autism characteristics should consider the characteristics of atypical autism. As well as being late onset, typically after 3 years of age, there are usually insufficient difficulties in one or two of the three main areas required for a diagnosis of autism: social skills, language development and imaginative expression.

The range of symptoms in children with atypical autism can be quite different and cases can be mild or severe. Characteristics can vary greatly since each case is unique but can include the following:

• Symptoms present during late toddler years
• Social skills difficulties which may include difficulties with eye contact
• May have difficulty making friends or may not show interest in making friends
• Problems developing a vocabulary or loss of a previously gained language skill
• Communication difficulties
• Limited speech
• No or limited pretend or imaginative play
• Takes language literally and has problems with subtlety
• Problems understanding nonverbal gestures
• Does not understand others emotions and may respond inappropriately or appear unemotional.
• Prefers routine
• Unusual play activities e.g. flipping objects for hours, and self-stimulatory behaviours e.g. hand flapping
• Difficulties properly processing sensory information and has unusual reaction to certain smells, sounds, tastes, sights, textures or colours.

HOW CAN YOU HELP A CHILD WITH ATYPICAL AUTISM?

Parents who recognise autistic type symptoms in children should seek autism screening as the right diagnosis is important for effective treatment plans. All levels of atypical autism are treatable with current behavioural therapies and medical treatments. Although atypical autism may not fit within the definition of other conditions within the autistic spectrum the same types of autism treatments will be helpful. Early intervention is key to making significant improvements in both mild and severe symptoms.

For further information click here

To Download This Page As An MP3 File click here

Back to top

***

Please note that every care is taken to ensure that the information included on this webpage is accurate. However, should you discover any information which you believe to be inaccurate please Contact Us as soon as possible.

Although the information we have provided here is meant to be helpful to you, Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or reliance placed upon it. If you have any concerns about your child, you should seek professional educational or healthcare advice as soon as possible.