Classic Autism Versus PDD - An Overview

Introduction

Autism is a developmental disorder causing the impaired ability to communicate or socialize. Autism is of three types, which are included in a single diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Two people who have autism will not show the same symptom, hence the name autism spectrum disorder. Healthcare professionals now classify autism spectrum disorder as one broad category with three distinct levels to specify the extent of support an autistic person requires. For a parent whose child has been diagnosed with any of the above disorders, it can be a life-changing event. So proper knowledge of these disorders is necessary, parents should not confuse them as they overlap. Proper care can be provided to autistic people if properly diagnosed.

Following are the three main types of autism:

• Autistic disorder or classic autism.

• Asperger's syndrome.

• Pervasive developmental disorder or atypical autism.

What Is Classic Autism?

• Autism is a neuropsychiatric condition represented by poor communication skills and social skills.

• Classic autism is a term used for someone who falls at the end of the spectrum.

• Repetitive behavior is the key symptom, along with social and behavioral cues.

The following are the symptoms of classic autism:

• Improper and restricted social behaviors make them separated and socially withdrawn.

• Have difficulty accepting touch from others.

• Unreasonable interest in certain things.

• The trouble with fine or large motor skills like difficulty in walking.

• Speech developmental milestones are delayed.

• Repetitious behaviors like flapping hands for hours.

• Difficulty in communication (verbal or non-verbal).

• Difficulty in imaginative play.

• Self-harming behaviors like banging the head on the wall, hand biting, or scratching.

• OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) can also be seen.

• Autistic savants are highly memorizing rare talented children. They can memorize the whole book or learn to play music very easily.

• Some autistic children have normal speech and social skills.

Classic autism can be diagnosed at a very young age (12 months) as the child may not make eye contact, does not babble any words, or return a smile to their parents. Older children may have difficulties understanding how they feel.

What Is Atypical Autism or PDD?

• PDD, or pervasive developmental disorder, is a developmental disorder that is similar to autism.

• It is illustrated by delays in the development of social and communication skills.

• Some symptoms overlap with autism.

• The onset of symptoms can be as early as infancy.

• Parents may also note the symptoms by three years of age.

• The kids are similar to autistic kids but not on the autism spectrum.

Following are the symptoms of PDD (pervasive developmental disorder) or atypical autism:

• Improper social behavior, for example, lack of eye contact or lack of facial expression.

• The trouble with fine or large motor skills.

• Speech is delayed.

• The trouble with any change of routine: kids may become fussier and angry with any change.

• Difficulty in communication: slow or no social interaction.

• Reduced or increased sensory senses (taste, sound, smell, touch, and sight).

• A different way of playing with toys: may arrange them in a straight line.

• Children suffering from PDD vary widely. Some have average language development or delayed language development (limited conversation).

• People with PDD are excellent in functioning compared to other autistic types.

What Are the Causes of PDD and Classic Autism?

The following are the causes of PDD and classic autism:

• The exact cause is unknown. Neither of the causes listed below has been proven to cause ASD.

• Maternal smoking and drinking during pregnancy.

• Genetic mutations.

• Drugs.

• Heavy metals and pesticides.

How to Diagnose These Disorders?

PDD and classic autism can be diagnosed by the following tools:

1. IQ (intelligence quotient) test measures cognitive abilities and provides an overall measure of intellectual functioning, but they do not capture the full range of symptoms and characteristics associated with autism spectrum disorders.

2. Clinical tests that help to diagnose the disorders are:

• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS): It involves structured interactions to evaluate social interaction, communication skills, and ASD-related behaviors.

• Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R): This comprehensive interview assesses an individual's developmental history, social communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors associated with autism.

• Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS): CARS is an observational rating scale that measures autism symptoms, including social interactions, communication, and stereotypical behaviors.

• Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ): The SCQ is a screening tool completed by parents or caregivers, providing information about an individual's social communication skills and behaviors.

• Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS): GARS assesses the presence and severity of autism-related behaviors and symptoms in children and adolescents.

3. No blood test is required, as this may only increase the cost.

4. No need for any imaging, or if suggested by a health care professional.

5. If parents feel the kids have autism, they should feel free to talk to the doctor.

What Are the Treatments Available for PDD and Classic Autism?

1. Currently, no cure is available for PDD and classic autism.

2. Every child is unique, and treatment plans should be formulated according to their needs.

3. Medications can address behavior problems. Also, medications can be prescribed for children with anxiety, depression (mood alteration), epilepsy (disorder of nerve cells), and restlessness.

4. Different therapies can show various improvements.

• Speech Therapy: Aids in communication skills.

• Behavior Therapy: Improves social interactions.

• Occupational Therapy: Aims to learn daily activities.

• Physical Therapy: Improves physical performance.

• Music Therapy: Helps to calm the kids. It is a nonverbal interaction and benefits by motivating children to socialize.

• Play Therapy: As the name suggests, it makes the child play in between therapies and lets the child guide the sessions.

• Auditory Integration Training (AIT): Autistic children may lose some of their aversion to certain noises. AIT helps the child to stay calm.

• TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication and Disabled Children): It assists the child with learning skills essential for self-care.

• Picture exchange communication system (PECS): It is a behavior analysis program for early nonverbal symbolic communication training.

5. Early intervention can help children to achieve skills and the best potential in life.

6. Coping with the disorder:

• As a parent, dealing with affected children would be a tough situation.

• Help from different support groups and professional autism organizations should be taken to help the children.

• Reading books about ASD to cope with it, also more information will be available, and parents and children will be more prepared for ASD.

What Should the Parents Do?

• Diagnosis is important; the earlier one acts, the more resources will be available.

• Always trust one’s instincts.

• Parents need to be adjustable to accommodate treatments as needed.

• If there are any concerns regarding the child's development, ask the pediatrician.

• A parent knows what is best for their child. Together they can cope with the situation.

• Seek help from help groups and have patience.

Symptoms of ASD get less prominent in adulthood. A typical and happy life is possible with continued support and services.

Conclusion:

PDD and autism are developmental disorders that have borderline differences in their manifestations. But PDD kids will be better off than other autistic types. Be confident about the healthcare provider to prefer to see that they have experience and are knowledgeable of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Participating in different clinical trials is important so that more information about the diseases can be available to researchers and scientists. Today there is a better understanding of these disorders. Early intervention is the key.