Autism is a mental condition characterized by difficulty with social interaction and communication. It is classified into subgroups based on functioning level: Asperger's Syndrome involves good verbal skills but impaired social interaction; Classic Autism involves problems with socializing, communicating, and play by age 3; PDD-NOS is a milder form with some but not all autism symptoms; Rett's Syndrome primarily affects females and involves loss of skills between ages 1-4; and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder involves normal development for 2 years then loss of language and social skills. The level of autism is determined by one's ability to function on the autism spectrum independently.

1. VARYING LEVELS OF AUTISM
By Khang Dong

2. WHAT IS AUTISM?
 Autism is a mental condition, present from early
childhood, characterized by great difficulty in
communicating and forming relationships with other
people and in using language and abstract
concepts. Signs typically are present before the age
of three.

3. There are different levels of
autism that are classified into
subgroups:
•Asperger’s Syndrome
•Classic Autism
•PDD-NOS
•Rett’s Syndrome
•Childhood Disintegrated
Disorder

4. ASPERGER’S SYNDROME
 Someone with Asperger’s Syndrome is still highly
functional and has good verbal skills.
 Most impairment is in social interactions and
functional use of language.
 Tend to score average to above-average on
intelligence tests

5. CLASSIC AUTISM
 This is what most people think of when they hear
the word “autism.”
 Younger than 3 years, problems with social
interactions, communication, and imaginative play
in children

6. PDD-NOS
PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER
NOT OTHERWISE SPECIFIED
 This diagnosis is made if one has some of the
symptoms of classic autism, but not all.
 Functioning level is usually moderate to high

7. RETT’S SYNDROME
 Usually female
 Typically begin to develop normally, then lose their
communication and social skills
 Begins between the age of 1 to 4
 Repetitive hand movements replace purposeful use
of hands
 Moderate to low functioning levels

8. CHILDHOOD DISINTEGRATIVE DISORDER
 Child develops normally for at least two years
 Most commonly seen in toddlers and preschoolers
 They lose language and social skills
 Moderate or low functioning levels

9. HOW FUNCTIONING LEVEL IS DETERMINED
 Autism is viewed as a spectrum. At one end there
are those who cannot function in society, and at the
other, are the others who are available to live
independent lives. Levels of autism are determined
upon this spectrum.
 Standardized tests are used to diagnose autism.

10. One should not fret upon the diagnosis of autism. The level of autism
can change upon can change significantly upon the course of a lifetime.