Is it Autism?

This blog post highlights different categories of autism as well as autism-like syndromes.

It is always best not to try to diagnose students but refer your concerns through the appropriate channels. As with all students, those with any developmental issues are individuals first and trying to remove barriers from learning is the ideal strategy.

Asperger’s Syndrome is usually defined as severe and sustained impairment in social interaction and the development of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities.

Asperger’s Syndrome is more common in males. People diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome usually are more verbal than those with typical autism. Because people with Asperger’s may become fixated on and like to discuss certain subjects and interests, Asperger’s is sometimes nicknamed: “the little professor” syndrome.

Some people with Asperger’s Syndrome have learning issues and some are considered academically gifted.

PDD-NOS stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. This is a catch-all category for those with autistic-like symptoms BUT the symptoms started after three years old and do NOT meet the threshold of the autism diagnosis.

Individuals with PDD-NOS are usually higher functioning. The approaches helping those with PPD-NOS and autism are similar.

Rett Syndrome is often included in the autism spectrum. It is different from typical autism in several, important ways.

• Rett Syndrome is a genetically testable disorder and therefore can be diagnosed with a DNA test. 

• Also, females are more likely to have Rett Syndrome, unlike typical autism.

People with Rett Syndrome appear normal until around 5 to 6 months, when the head growth slows. A baby with Rett Syndrome begins to avoid social contact after 5 months old. Before 30 months old, the toddler starts moving the hands in an unusual twisting motion. The child loses control over body movements and does not develop typical speech. So like typical autism, speech, movement and speech are developmentally affected.

Fragile X Syndrome, like Rett Syndrome is genetically inherited and therefore can be tested. In these cases, the X chromosome in the male or female is damaged. Fragile X Syndrome involves mental impairment ranging from learning disabilities to mental retardation. Fragile X is the most common known cause of autism or “autistic-like” behaviors.

People with Fragile X Syndrome often have large and protruding ears. Like typical autism, they can also have sensory motor sensitivities, hand flapping, shyness, anxiety, language delays and learning issues.

Other diagnoses are often confused with autism. People with other disorders can show autistic-like symptoms. And, people with autism may also have other neurodevelopmental and sensory-motor issues and disorders.

Techniques used for instruction may vary with students who have a combination of neurodevelopmental issues but who may not have autism at all. Younger children with certain neurodevelopmental differences are particularly easy to misdiagnose. Following is a list of disorders commonly misdiagnosed as autism or that may be shared in a student with autism:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
• Cerebral Palsy (CP)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
• Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)
• Social Anxiety

From Professional Learning Board’s online continuing education course for teachers: Introduction to Autism