Living with Autism - A column by Tyler Ody

A column by The Autistic Journalist Tyler Ody. North Swindon resident Tyler has been working for Swindon Link for the past four years. From the age of four Tyler has been diagnosed with Classic Autism. His latest column is about the different types of autism

Hey everybody! welcome to instalment number 15 which will be about different types of Autism.

Autism comes in different models. There are five major types of Autism which include Asperger's syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Kanner’s Syndrome (classic autism), and Pervasive Developmental Disorder.

The most common is known as Asperger’s Syndrome. People with Asperger’s Syndrome have better academic skills such as Maths and creativity.

Some people listen to orchestral music and after listening to the song once they can recite and play it on the piano.

Others have been known to draw scenes from Cathedrals and Rivers and by looking at the scene once can remember the colours and scenery to paint.

Another type of Autism is Classic Autism, whichis also known Kanner’s Syndrome. I was diagnosed with Classic Autism at the age of four.

Classic Autism was first described by Leo Kanner in 1943.

It is described as a child or adult who has significant and conspicuous social language, learning and behavioural impairments. 

Classic Autism is a term we use to describe our original conception of Autism. This expression of Autism would now be referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2 or 3.

People like myself who have ‘classic’ have problems with communication. When I was younger until the age of ten I used to have a speech therapist and another trait with Classic Autism trait is showing repetitive behaviours.

Depending on my mood I get into a flap. It’s either an excited one or a not so happy one. Sometimes I also bite my fingers, which I do not like doing. 

I am a bit OCD with certain things which I think is normal for us people with Autism as we like things a certain way.

Another type of Autism is Rett syndrome, which is a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way the brain develops. This disorder causes a progressive loss of motor skills and language. Rett syndrome mainly affects girls.

Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is also known as Heller's syndrome and disintegrative psychosis. It is a rare condition characterized by late onset Autism, over the age of three, resulting in developmental delays in language, social function, and motor skills.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder is characterised by delays in the development of social and communication skills. It's the diagnosis they use for someone who has some but not all characteristics of Autism or who has relatively mild symptoms.

I have to say writing this article I learnt a lot more about Autism and some of them I had not even heard of.

Hope you all enjoy reading column number 15 and looking to writing to you next month.

See you then.