Types of Autism

This section of the website contains information about the different types of autism - also known as autism spectrum conditions, autism spectrum disorders, ASDs or pervasive developmental disorders.

There were several sub-types of autism that were previouisly recognised within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and within the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.

• Autistic Disorder, also known as autism, childhood autism, early infantile autism, Kanner's syndrome or infantile psychosis.
• Asperger Syndrome, also known as Asperger's disorder or simply Asperger's.
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder (Not Otherwise Specified), also known as PDD (NOS) or atypical autism.

However the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5, published in May 2013 eliminated sub-types listed above by dissolving them into one diagnosis called Autism Spectrum Disorder. The 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, published in 2020, did the same. 

Please note: At present, the term 'autism' is sometimes used interchangeably with the term 'autism spectrum disorders' to mean any or all of the different forms of ASD. It is also sometimes used interchangeably with the term 'autistic disorder'.

Quick link:

https://informationautism.org/conditions

Updated

15 Jun 2022