CLASSIFICATIONS OF

AUTISM
Concepts,
Classifications, Characteristics and
Controlling Measures of Learners with
Autism

REPORTER: Adeline Rose B. Espiloy

Group 3
 Classifications
Kanner’s Asperger’s Rett’s Syndrome
Syndrome Syndrome

Childhood Pervasive Developmental

Disintegrative Disorder - Not Otherwise
Disorder Specified
RETT’S SYNDROME
Rett syndrome was first
described in the medical
literature by an Austrian
physician named Andreas
Rett in 1960s.
 RETT’S SYNDROME
Rett syndrome 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 primarily affects females.
 DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

Usually, parents first notice symptoms of Rett

syndrome during a child’s early years.
Healthcare providers who suspect that a child
may have Rett syndrome use a genetic test to
look for the MECP2 gene mutation.
This genetic screening is a
blood test.
SYMPTOMS
 SYMPTOMS
Most infants with Rett syndrome seem to grow and behave as
expected for the first six months. After that, signs and
symptoms start to appear. The most pronounced changes
generally occur at 12 to 18 months of age, over a period of
weeks or months.

Loss of movement and Loss of communication

Slowed growth. abilities.
coordination abilities
Brain growth slows
after birth. Smaller than Children with Rett
The first signs often syndrome typically
usual head size
include reduced hand begin to lose the ability
(microcephaly) is
control and a to speak, to make eye
sometimes the first sign
decreasing ability to contact and to
that a child has Rett
crawl or walk. communicate in other
syndrome. ways.
 SYMPTOMS
Unusual hand
movements. Unusual eye
Children with Rett movements
syndrome usually Children with Rett
syndrome tend to have Breathing problems
develop repetitive,
purposeless hand unusual eye movements,
movements, which differ such as intense staring, These include breath
blinking, crossed eyes or holding, rapid breathing
from child to child.
closing one eye at a time. (hyperventilation),
forcefully blowing out
air or saliva, and
swallowing air.
• Irritability and crying.

• Other unusual behaviors.

• Intellectual disabilities.

• Seizures.

• Sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis).

Irregular heartbeat.

• Sleep disturbances.

Other symptoms
STAGES OF RETT SYNDROME
Stage 1: Early onset.
starts when a child is between 6 and 18 months

Stage 2: Rapid deterioration.

usually occurs between ages 1 to 4 years.

Stage 3: Plateau.
usually occurs between ages 2 and 10.

Stage 4: Late motor deterioration.

may occur at any time after stage III.
 PREVENTION
Rett syndrome cannot currently be prevented. It progresses with time
and its severity doesn't become any less. But when children receive
appropriate treatment, they often manage their symptoms effectively
into adulthood.
For example, children who have seizures may take antiseizure
medications.

For difficulty with motor skills Your child may need care from
and language, children may other specialists, such as:
benefit from: • Neurologists.
• Occupational therapy. • Nutritionists.
• Physical therapy. • Psychiatrists.
• Speech therapy. • Gastroenterologists.
 REFERENCES

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Rett Syndrome Fact Sheet
(https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Rett-
Syndrome-Fact-Sheet). Accessed 6/14/2021.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders. Rett Syndrome (https://rarediseases.org/rare-
diseases/rett-syndrome/). Accessed 6/14/2021.
• International Rett Syndrome Foundation. What is Rett Syndrome
(https://www.rettsyndrome.org/about-rett-syndrome/what-is-rett-syndrome/)? Accessed
6/14/2021.
• Rett Syndrome Research Trust. What is Rett Syndrome (https://reverserett.org/about-
rett/)? Accessed 6/14/2021.
CHILDHOOD DISINTEGRATIVE
DISORDER
It is also sometimes known as
Heller’s syndrome after Theodore
Heller. Theodore Heller, an
Austrian educator, first described
childhood disintegrative disorder in
1908. It is a complex disorder that
affects many different areas of the
child's development.
 CHILDHOOD
DISINTEGRATIVE DISORDER

The neurological condition where normal development occurs

until age two which is followed by a severe deterioration of
mental and social functioning, until it regresses to autism
symptoms. (Vaughn 2007)

Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) occurs when a child

regresses in multiple areas of functioning after about 2 years of
typical development. It is part of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Hendry CN (January 2000). “Childhood disintegrative disorder: should it be considered a distinct

diagnosis". Clinical Psychology Review. 20 (1): 77–90.
 CHILDHOOD
DISINTEGRATIVE DISORDER

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is

rare. It occurs approximately in 1 out
of 100,000 children, however it is 4
times more prevalent in boys than in
girls.
 DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS
The Cause of CDD is still unknown.

CDD is most commonly diagnosed when

the parents of the affected child consult the
pediatrician about the child's loss of
previously acquired skills.
 SYMPTOMS
Children with disintegrative disorder may develop normally
till about 2 years old and then show a sudden and/or extreme
loss of previously acquired skills in at least 2 of the following
areas

Social Skills Play Skills

Language Motor Skills

Bowel & Bladder Control self-help skills

 PREVENTION
Unfortunately, no cure exists for childhood disintegrative disorder; only treatment and
therapy is provided to relieve and lessen the symptoms. Medications such as
anticonvulsant drugs to avoid seizures or antipsychotic medications may be
prescribed. CDD treatment is similar to treating and managing ASD. Healthcare
professionals tailor therapies to individuals’ disabilities, needs, and educational
requirements.

Treatment may involve:

Family
Develop- Behavioral
counseling
mental therapy
and education
approaches
 REFERENCES

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/childhood-disintegrative-
disorder#summary
• Autism spectrum disorder. (2023).
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd
• Handout IV: DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for pervasive development disorders.
(n.d.).
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/autism/case-modules/pdf/diagnosis/DSM-IV-TR-
Diagnostic-Criteria-for-Pervasive-Development-Disorders.pdf
• https://www.autism360.com/childhood-disintegrative-disorder/

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING...

REPORTER ADELINE ROSE B. ESPILOY
GROUP 3