The main outdated term for autism is Asperger Syndrome, which was once a separate diagnosis but is now included under the broader umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the DSM-5 and ICD-11, though some individuals still self-identify with it. Other terms like Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and even labels like "high-functioning" are also considered outdated as they are folded into ASD, focusing now on individual support needs rather than rigid categories.
has autism / an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) / an autism spectrum condition (ASC) (Note: The term ASD is widely used by many professionals, you may prefer to use the term 'autism spectrum condition' or 'on the autism spectrum' because it avoids the negative connotations of 'disorder'.)
The symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome are now included in a condition called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is now the name used for a wide range of autism-like disorders. Some providers may still use the term Asperger's Syndrome, but others will say “ASD – without intellectual or language impairment." or autistic.
In the autism community, many self-advocates and their allies prefer terminology such as “Autistic,” “Autistic person,” or “Autistic individual” because we understand autism as an inherent part of an individual's identity — the same way one refers to “Muslims,” “African-Americans,” “Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/ ...
When we make diagnoses and in our formal reports, we also still use the term “Autism Spectrum Disorder”. At present, this is the formal diagnostic term that is given in the diagnostic manuals.
The different types of autism include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), autistic disorder (classic autism), Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), and Rett syndrome.
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
Clinicians who encountered autism in the 1950s and 1960s called it by many names. Among them were Kanner's syndrome (named after Leo Kanner), early infantile autism, hyperkinetic disease, and Heller's disease (based on 1908 description by Austrian educator Theodor Heller), also known as dementia infantilis.
Chinning is a form of repetitive self-stimulatory behavior (stimming) that you may notice in children or adults with autism. It involves pressing, rubbing, or holding the chin against objects, surfaces, or even hands to gain sensory input or comfort.
The study defines four subtypes of autism — Social and Behavioral Challenges, Mixed ASD with Developmental Delay, Moderate Challenges, and Broadly Affected. Each subtype exhibits distinct developmental, medical, behavioral and psychiatric traits, and importantly, different patterns of genetic variation.
Seven key signs of autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder - ASD) often involve difficulties with social communication (like avoiding eye contact or not responding to their name), restricted/repetitive behaviors (like hand-flapping or lining up toys), strong reactions to sensory input (lights, sounds), intense focus on specific interests, distress over changes in routine, challenges with social cues (like sarcasm), and sometimes, delays in speech or pretend play. These signs vary greatly and appear in different combinations, often becoming noticeable in early childhood.
“Person with disabilities” or “person with autism” is an example of person-first language, versus calling someone a “disabled person” or “autistic person”. At face value, using person-first language makes sense and is a clear attempt to be as respectful as possible with words.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
"Looping" in autism, often called "autism looping," is a non-clinical term for getting stuck in repetitive thought patterns, questions, or phrases, like a broken record, often due to anxiety, sensory overload, or a need for resolution, making it hard to switch focus and causing stress, overlapping with perseveration and rumination. It can manifest as replaying conversations, worrying intensely, or repeating sounds/words (echolalia) as a way to process or self-regulate.
In 1877, British doctor John Down used the term developmental retardation to describe conditions including what would be considered autism today.
Its formal diagnostic name is autism spectrum disorder. The word “spectrum” indicates that autism appears in different forms with varying levels of severity. That means that each individual with autism experiences their own unique strengths, symptoms, and challenges.
The Bible may not mention the word “autism,” but it speaks powerfully about God's love and purpose for all people! Genesis 1:27 tells us that every person is created in the image of God. That means people who have autism undoubtedly bear his image and are part of his divine plan.
While the exact reasons are not yet clear, changes in how the disorder is defined, increases in screening, and more awareness certainly contribute to this increase. If you have any concerns about your child's development, speak to a healthcare professional about diagnostic tests.
Donald Triplett, autism's 'Case 1,' dies at 89. Triplett gained media attention for his autism later in life, and he became the face of the effort to research the lives of older adults with autism.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) outlines three levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
Conditions That Can Be Mistaken for Autism. These include: Speech delays, hearing problems, or other developmental delays: Developmental delays are when your child doesn't do things doctors expect kids their age to be able to do. These can include language, speech, or hearing problems.
Asperger's Syndrome is often considered the mildest form of autism due to its characteristics, such as no significant language development delay, average to above-average intelligence, and a desire for social interaction, despite challenges in social skills.
There is not just one cause of ASD. Many different factors have been identified that may make a child more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biologic, and genetic factors.