Types of Autism
That Can Change Lives
Authors: Julianna Brooks, Shannon Malloy, and Carla Holzinger~ Periods: 2 & 4
Introduction to Autism
Many people think of autism, and think of it as abnormal and weird. However, in reality, there are many kinds of autism thet may be in your neighbors and peers that you don't even know about. Autism is a mental disorder that can change who you are physically, socially, and mentally.
Rett Syndrome (RS)
Will often appear in females and cannot be treated completely. It is caused by a change in the gene MECP2 (MECP2 only appears in the "X" chromosomes). Females have 2 "X" chromosomes and males have only "X" and "Y" chromosomes. That is the reason why it mostly appears in girls (if males develop RS they usually die soon after birth since they only have one "X" chromosome and cannot offset the effects like females can because they have two "X" chromosomes.) Effects can be...
- Hard time breathing
- Sleeping problems
- Seizures
- Incapability to move hands voluntarily
- Intellectual disability
Savant Syndrome
Aspergers Syndrome
Asperger's Syndrome is a type of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) that is usually mistaken for ADHD. It is on the high end of the spectrum and it's effects are much stronger than most kinds of autism. They have...
- Limited interests
- Uncoordinated walking
- Difficulty with social interactions
- Physical clumsiness
- Lacking of eye contact
- Very literal minds
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
ASD is a group of developmental changes in a child that may cause behavior issues. 40% of people with ASD have average or above average intelligence. Other effects include...
- Problems processing other's words
- Difficulty speaking
- Intellectual disorders
- Issues with their motor coordination
- Short attention spans
- Poor physical health
+Talent with art, music, and/or computer/technology
PDD-NOS (Persuasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified)
It is considered ASD but does not fully have everything to define them with other major autistic disorders such as..
-Asperger's Syndrome
-Autistic Disorder (Also known as classic Autism)
It is diagnosed to people with some symptoms of autism but not all.
Mild on the autism spectrum and is categorized as atypical autism
Interesting Facts
- Scientists have not found a common cause of all types of autism
- Leslie Lemke (an american diagnosed with savant syndrome) can play any piece on the piano after hearing it once
- Albert Einstien was suspected of having autism, as well as Thomas Jefferson
- Rett Syndrome is the only type of autism that the scientists have agreed on a specific cause for
Works Cited
"What Is Autism?" Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks Inc, 2015. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
Hunter, Kathy, Valerie Owen, and Alan Percy. "Rett Syndrome" World Book Student. World Book, 2015. Web. 14 Apr. 2015.
Treffert, Darold A. "Savant Syndrome." World Book Student. World Book, 2015. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.
"What Is Autism?" Autism Speaks. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2015.