7 Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders Explained for 2025

Last Updated on July 4, 2025 by John Hookway

You might ask what the 7 types of autism spectrum disorders are in 2025. These types are Classic Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett Syndrome, Level 1 Autism, and Level 2 and 3 Autism.

Knowing about these types is important for parents, teachers, and caregivers.

New numbers show:

• Autism now affects 1 in 36 kids, and the number is going up.
• Families wait more than 32 months to get a diagnosis.
• Boys get diagnosed four times more than girls, but more girls are being diagnosed now.

Each type has its own challenges and strengths. Try to keep an open mind as you learn about the Types of Autism, because everyone’s experience is different.

Key Takeaways

• There are 7 main types of autism in 2025, each with unique traits and support needs.
• Classic Autism involves early social difficulties, speech delays, and repetitive behaviors.
• Asperger’s Syndrome includes strong interests and social challenges but usually normal language skills.
• PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified) shows mild or mixed autism signs and is now part of the broader autism spectrum.
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is rare and marked by sudden skill loss after normal development.
• Rett Syndrome mainly affects girls and is caused by a genetic issue that leads to skill regression.
• Level 1 Autism means minimal support is needed; Levels 2 and 3 require increasing daily support.
• Early diagnosis and customized therapy plans are key to improving life skills and overall quality of life for autistic individuals.

1. Classic Autism

Classic Autism is also called “Kanner’s Autism.” It is one of the most well-known Types of Autism. Some people call it “early infantile autism.”

Leo Kanner first talked about this in 1943. He saw that some kids acted and thought in special ways from a young age. These kids liked routines a lot.

They also had trouble making friends or talking with others. Experts have changed the definition over time, but the main signs are still the same.

Note: Classic Autism usually shows up before age three. You might see less eye contact, late talking, or a strong need for things to stay the same.

Main Features

Classic Autism has certain signs that help doctors know what it is. These signs often show up together and affect how a child acts.

• Social Interaction Challenges: Kids with Classic Autism may find it hard to make friends. They might not understand social hints. Some like to play alone or do not join group games.
• Communication Difficulties: Many kids have trouble talking or understanding words. Some do not talk at all. Others may use words in a different way.
• Repetitive Behaviors: You might see them flap their hands or rock back and forth. Some line up toys over and over. These actions can help them feel safe.
• Insistence on Sameness: Changes in routine can be very hard for them. They may want to eat the same foods every day. They might need to follow the same schedule.
• Comorbid Conditions: Classic Autism often comes with other problems. Many kids also have intellectual disability. Some have ADHD or trouble with movement.

Quick Fact: In 2015, about 24.8 million people had Classic Autism worldwide. The number is going up because doctors are better at finding it.

Updates

People now know more about Classic Autism than before. In the past, experts thought it was rare and caused by feelings.

Now, research shows it is mostly biological. Twin studies from the 1970s showed genes are important. Brain scans found differences in the amygdala and cerebellum. But there is not just one cause for everyone.

A 2023 study in the United States found that profound autism, a severe type of Classic Autism, affects about 1 in 218 kids aged 8.

The study also found more kids are being diagnosed, even those with milder signs. Boys are still diagnosed more, but more girls are being found now.

Tip: If you see early signs of Classic Autism, getting help early can really help. Doctors now use both behavioral and school therapies to help kids do their best.

2. Asperger’s Syndrome

Some people talk about Asperger’s Syndrome as one of the Types of Autism. Doctors first noticed it in the 1940s.

They saw some kids had trouble with social skills. But these kids did not have problems with language or learning. Sometimes, Asperger’s is called “high-functioning autism.”

People with Asperger’s often have normal or high intelligence. They usually start talking at the same time as other kids or even earlier. They want to make friends but may not know how to do it.

Note: In 2013, the DSM-5 put Asperger’s under Autism Spectrum Disorder. Many people still use the name Asperger’s for themselves.

Main Features

You can tell if someone has Asperger’s Syndrome by looking for certain signs. These signs make it different from other Types of Autism.

• Social Challenges: It can be hard to understand body language or faces. Jokes and sarcasm might not make sense. Making friends can feel hard or stressful.
• Focused Interests: People with Asperger’s often love one topic a lot. They might know everything about trains, computers, or animals. They may talk about their favorite thing for a long time.
• Routine and Repetition: They like to do things the same way every day. Changes can make them feel worried or upset.
• Communication Style: They might talk in a very grown-up way. Sometimes, their voice sounds flat or they use odd words.
• Sensory Sensitivities: Loud sounds, bright lights, or some textures can bother them more than other people.

Here is a simple table to show the main features:

Tip: If you see these signs in yourself or someone else, talking to a doctor can help you find the right support.

Updates

Experts now see Asperger’s as part of the bigger Autism Spectrum. The DSM-5 does not list Asperger’s as its own diagnosis anymore.

Now, doctors use the term Autism Spectrum Disorder and check how much help a person needs. Still, many people like to use the word Asperger’s. They feel it explains their strengths and struggles.

New research in 2024 shows more girls and women are being diagnosed with Asperger’s. Doctors learned that girls can hide their signs better.

There are new tools to help find Asperger’s in adults and girls. Schools and jobs now give more help to people with Asperger’s. You can find groups to practice social skills, quiet spaces, and online groups.

Alert: Getting help early can help you feel more confident and learn new things. With the right support, you can do well and feel understood.

3. PDD-NOS

PDD-NOS means “Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified.” Some people call it “atypical autism.”

Doctors used this name when someone had some signs of autism but did not fit all the rules for Classic Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome.

If you or your child had trouble with social skills, talking, or behavior, but did not meet every rule for other Types of Autism, doctors often used PDD-NOS.

Note: PDD-NOS was a group for people who did not fit other types. It helped many people get help when their signs were different from other autism types.

Main Features

You can notice PDD-NOS by looking for a mix of signs. These signs do not always look the same for everyone.

Here are some common signs:

• Social Difficulties: You may have trouble making friends or joining groups. Sometimes, you might not know how to share or take turns.
• Communication Challenges: Some people with PDD-NOS talk late or use fewer words. Others talk a lot but find it hard to have a back-and-forth talk.
• Repetitive Behaviors: You might do things over and over, like rocking or hand-flapping. Some people really like certain topics.
• Milder or Unusual Symptoms: Your signs may not be as strong as Classic Autism. Sometimes, you only show one or two main signs.
• Uneven Skill Development: You could be good at some things, like puzzles or memory, but have trouble with other things, like talking or playing with others.

Here is a table that shows how experts have studied and explained PDD-NOS over time:

Tip: If you see a mix of social, talking, and behavior problems, even if they are mild or odd, you should talk to a doctor.

Updates

Doctors and scientists have changed how they use the PDD-NOS name. In 2013, the DSM-5 put PDD-NOS under Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Now, you will not see PDD-NOS as its own diagnosis. Instead, doctors look at how much help you need and what signs you have.

This change helps more people get the right help, even if their signs do not fit old groups.

Recent studies show that some people who had a PDD-NOS label now have Level 1 Autism or Level 2 Autism.

New tools, like the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), help doctors see autism signs more clearly. These tools help you get the right diagnosis and support.

Alert: If you or your child had a PDD-NOS label before, you can still get help. The new system just uses new names and levels.

4. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) is one of the rarest Types of Autism. You may also hear it called Heller’s syndrome.

Doctors first described it in the early 1900s. CDD stands out because children develop normally for at least two years. You might see a child learn to talk, play, and move just like other kids.

Then, between ages 3 and 4, things change quickly. The child starts to lose skills they already had. This loss can happen over a few weeks or months. CDD affects many areas, not just one. Language, social skills, and even how a child moves can all change.

Note: CDD is much less common than other autism types. Experts estimate that only about 1 in 100,000 children have CDD.

Main Features

You can spot CDD by looking for a sudden and severe loss of skills.

Here are the main signs you might notice:

• Normal Early Development: The child grows and learns like other children for at least two years.
• Sudden Regression: Skills disappear quickly. This can include talking, playing, using the toilet, or moving.
• Multiple Areas Affected: The loss is not just in one area. You may see changes in language, social skills, motor skills, and self-care.
• Behavioral Changes: The child may start to act differently. You might see more anxiety, confusion, or repetitive movements.
• Seizures and Health Issues: Many children with CDD have seizures or abnormal brain activity on tests.

Here is a table to help you see the differences between CDD and other autism types:

Alert: If you notice a child losing skills they once had, you should talk to a doctor right away.

Updates

Doctors now know more about CDD than before. Recent studies show that CDD is very rare, with only about 0.11 to 1.7 cases per 100,000 children.

You will see that CDD is different from other Types of Autism because of its late and sudden onset. Children with CDD often have a poorer outcome than those with classic autism.

They may have lower IQ scores, more seizures, and more severe mental health problems. Most children do not regain all the skills they lost, but some show small improvements over time.

Doctors use new tools to spot CDD earlier. They look for sudden changes in many areas, not just language. Treatment focuses on support, therapy, and managing seizures.

Families often need extra help because the changes can be hard to handle. Recognizing CDD as its own condition helps children get the right care and support.

5. Rett Syndrome

Rett Syndrome is a rare disorder that mostly affects girls. At first, a child with Rett Syndrome grows and learns like other kids.

This happens for about 6 to 18 months. After that, the child starts to lose skills they already had. They may stop talking, using their hands, or walking.

This loss of skills is called regression. Rett Syndrome is not like other Types of Autism because it has a known genetic cause.

Most cases happen because of a change in the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome. Boys can get Rett Syndrome, but it is very rare and usually more serious.

Note: Rett Syndrome does not happen because of anything parents do. It usually happens by chance.

Main Features

You can notice Rett Syndrome by looking for certain signs. These signs often show up in stages as the child gets older.

• Loss of Hand Skills: Children may stop using their hands for normal things. Instead, you might see them wring, clap, or tap their hands over and over.
• Speech Loss: Many children stop talking or use only a few words.
• Slowed Growth: The head does not grow as fast after the first year. This can make the head smaller than other kids’ heads.
• Movement Problems: Walking can become shaky. Some children may stop walking at all.
• Breathing Issues: You might see odd breathing, like holding breath, breathing fast, or swallowing air.
• Other Symptoms: Seizures, trouble sleeping, and a curved spine are common.

Here is a table to help you see the main features of Rett Syndrome:

Tip: If you see these signs after normal growth, talk to your doctor soon.

Updates

There is more hope for children with Rett Syndrome now. Scientists have learned a lot about this disorder.

Clinical trials for Rett Syndrome use special tools made just for this condition. These tools help doctors check changes in main symptoms better. This makes it easier to see if a treatment helps.

Clinical trials follow these steps:

• Find and make new treatments
• Test in labs before people
• Try with real patients
• Health groups review the drug
• Watch for safety after approval

In clinical research, there are several phases:

• Phase 1 checks if the drug is safe and how much to use.
• Phase 2 tests if it works in more people, sometimes with fake pills.
• About 70% of drugs go from Phase 1 to Phase 2, but only 33% move to Phase 3.
• Trials use Rett-specific ways to measure results.

New gene therapies, like gene replacement, look promising. These are still in early research.

After a drug is approved, doctors keep checking if it stays safe and works well.

Alert: Rett Syndrome research is moving quickly. New treatments and better ways to check progress give families more choices and hope.

6. Level 1 Autism

Level 1 Autism is the mildest form on the autism spectrum. Doctors sometimes call it “high-functioning autism.” You might hear people use this term when someone needs only a little support in daily life.

If you have Level 1 Autism, you can usually speak, read, and write well. You may go to regular classes at school. You can often live on your own as an adult.

The main difference between Level 1 Autism and other Types of Autism is the amount of help you need. People with Level 1 Autism often have strong skills in some areas but still face challenges in social situations.

Note: Level 1 Autism replaced older terms like Asperger’s Syndrome and PDD-NOS in the DSM-5. Doctors now use “levels” to show how much support someone needs.

Main Features

You can spot Level 1 Autism by looking for certain signs. These signs may not be as strong as in other forms of autism, but they still affect daily life.

Here are some common features:

• Social Challenges: You might find it hard to start or keep a conversation. Making friends can feel confusing or stressful. You may not always understand jokes or body language.
• Rigid Routines: You may like to follow the same schedule every day. Changes can make you feel upset or anxious.
• Focused Interests: You might have a strong interest in one topic. You could talk about it a lot or spend much time learning about it.
• Mild Sensory Issues: Loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures might bother you, but not as much as in more severe autism.
• Good Language Skills: You can usually speak in full sentences. Sometimes, your speech may sound formal or different from others your age.

Here is a table to help you see the main features of Level 1 Autism:

Tip: If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you know, talking to a doctor or counselor can help you find the right support.

Updates

Doctors and teachers now use new tools to spot Level 1 Autism earlier. In 2025, many schools offer special programs for students with Level 1 Autism.

These programs help you build social skills and manage stress. New research shows that girls and women often get diagnosed later than boys.

Doctors now look for signs in girls that may be different from boys. You can find more support groups and online resources than ever before.

Recent updates in the DSM-5-TR (Text Revision) keep the three-level system. This helps you and your family understand what kind of help you might need.

Many workplaces now offer quiet spaces and flexible schedules for people with Level 1 Autism. Technology, like apps for social skills or reminders, can also help you succeed.

Alert: Early support makes a big difference. If you think you might have Level 1 Autism, do not wait to ask for help. You can learn new skills and reach your goals with the right support.

 

7. Level 2 and 3 Autism

Level 2 and Level 3 Autism describe people who need more support than those with Level 1 Autism. Doctors use these levels to show how much help you might need in daily life.

You may hear people call these “moderate” and “severe” autism. Level 2 means you need a lot of support.

Level 3 means you need very substantial support. These levels help families, teachers, and doctors understand what kind of help works best for you.

Note: The DSM-5 uses these levels instead of older labels like “classic” or “severe” autism. This change helps everyone focus on your needs, not just your diagnosis.

Main Features

You can spot Level 2 and 3 Autism by looking for certain signs. These signs affect how you talk, act, and handle daily life.

Here are some features you might notice:

Communication Challenges:

• You may use few words or not speak at all.
• You might use gestures or pictures to share your needs.
• Understanding what others say can be hard.

Social Skills:

• Making friends feels very difficult.
• You may not look at people or respond when they talk to you.
• You might prefer to play alone.

Repetitive Behaviors:

• You may repeat actions, like rocking or spinning objects.
• Changes in routine can upset you a lot.

Daily Living Skills:

• You might need help with eating, dressing, or using the bathroom.
• Some people need support all day.

Sensory Differences:

• Loud sounds, bright lights, or certain textures can bother you.
• You may react strongly to pain or not notice it at all.

Here is a table to help you see the differences between Level 2 and Level 3 Autism:

Tip: If you see these signs, early support can help you learn new skills and feel more comfortable.

Updates

Doctors now use better tools to spot Level 2 and 3 Autism early. In 2025, you can find more programs that help with speech, daily living, and social skills.

Schools and clinics use new apps and devices to help you communicate. Some families use picture boards or speech tablets. More teachers get special training to help students with higher support needs.

Researchers now know that girls and boys can show different signs. Girls may hide their struggles, so doctors look more closely for signs in everyone.

New studies show that early therapy helps you build skills, even if you need a lot of support. Families can join support groups to share tips and find resources.

You may hear people talk about the Types of Autism as a spectrum. This means everyone is different. You have your own strengths and challenges. With the right help, you can learn and grow in your own way.

Alert: If you think you or someone you know may have Level 2 or 3 Autism, talk to a doctor. Getting help early makes a big difference.

Types of Autism: Diagnosis

Assessment

To find out if someone has one of the Types of Autism, doctors use a few steps. They ask questions and watch how you act.

They also use new technology to help. Here are the main steps:

1. Developmental History
   Doctors ask about when you learned to talk and walk. They want to know about your social skills and language. They look for signs that match autism.
2. Behavioral Observation
   A specialist watches you play and talk. They use special tools like the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). This helps them see how you interact.
3. Standardized Tests
   You take tests that check your thinking and language. These tests also look at how you do daily tasks. The results show what you are good at and what is hard for you.
4. AI and Machine Learning Tools
   In 2025, doctors use smart tools to help diagnose autism. These tools look at videos, eye movements, and speech. They can even check your genes. This helps doctors find small signs of autism quickly and more accurately.

🧑‍⚕️ Tip: Getting checked early helps you get the right support.

Criteria

You might wonder how doctors decide if someone has autism. The rules have changed over time to include more people.

Here is what you should know:

The DSM-5 puts all the old subtypes into one group called autism spectrum disorder. Classic Autism, Asperger’s, and PDD-NOS are now under this group. Doctors look for two main things:

• Ongoing problems with social communication and interaction
• Repetitive behaviors or strong interests

Doctors also check if the signs started early and affect daily life.

• The change from DSM-IV-TR to DSM-5 made the diagnosis better and more fair. The table below shows how well each set of rules works:

• The new rules help more people get the support they need. There is more awareness and better services now. More people are being diagnosed with autism instead of other conditions.
• In 2025, AI tools make diagnosis even better. Machine learning uses things like age, speech, and genes to predict autism. Some tools are right more than 99% of the time. These new tools help doctors find autism sooner, even in places with fewer doctors.

📊 Note: New technology helps doctors see all kinds of autism. This makes sure everyone can get the help they need.

Support and Treatment

You need a plan that matches your own strengths and needs. Doctors and therapists work with you and your family to make this plan.

The plan sets goals for learning, social skills, and daily life. Starting early gives you the best chance to improve. For example, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy helps with IQ, talking, and language.

It works best if you start around age two. About two-thirds of kids try ABA for a year, but fewer keep going for two years. If you stick with your plan, you will keep getting better.

Your plan should have regular check-ins. These help your team see what is working and what is not. When your family joins therapy and helps at home, you learn faster and feel more sure of yourself.

📝 Tip: Ask your team to explain your plan in easy steps. This helps you and your family know what will happen next.

Therapies

There are many therapies to help you reach your goals. Each one helps with different skills. Here are some common choices:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): Teaches new skills and good behaviors. ABA uses steps like giving hints and shaping actions.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you handle worry, strong thoughts, and mood. CBT teaches you ways to deal with big feelings and fix problems.
• Occupational Therapy (OT): Helps you with movement, senses, and daily tasks. OT helps you do more things on your own.
• Speech Therapy: Helps you talk and share ideas. About 25-30% of autistic people talk very little. Speech therapists use picture cards or devices to help you say what you think.
• Medical Treatments: Some medicines, like risperidone or aripiprazole, help with anger or repeated actions. Doctors watch for side effects like weight gain or feeling sleepy.
• Other Supports: Melatonin can help you sleep. Social skills groups and play-based therapy help you make friends and work with others.

💡 Note: Using more than one therapy works best. Your team will help you choose what is right for you.

Resources

You have many resources to help you. Schools give special plans and classroom help. Many towns have autism centers, support groups, and therapy places. Online, you can find websites, apps, and forums to meet others.

• School Services: Ask about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans.
• Community Centers: Find local autism groups or therapy places.
• Online Tools: Use apps for social skills, reminders, or talking.
• Support Groups: Join groups for families, teens, or adults with autism.
• Healthcare Providers: Your doctor can help you find experts and new treatments.

🌟 Alert: You are not alone. Many people and groups want to help you. Reach out and see what is out there.

You now know that the 7 Types of Autism each have their own signs and support needs. Understanding these differences helps you care for and accept everyone better.

If you are worried, talk to a professional for an evaluation. Experts use trusted ways to help and will guide you with school plans, family support, and care as you grow.

1. Professionals check how you are doing with regular tests.
2. They help you work with teachers and doctors for full support.
3. Experts show you how to use school services like IEPs.
4. They help your family feel supported and safe.
5. Your plan changes as you get older and need new things.

🌈 Remember, everyone’s path is different. Accepting neurodiversity makes our world better. For more help, look at trusted autism groups and local support teams.

FAQ

What is the difference between Classic Autism and Level 2 Autism?

Classic Autism describes early, noticeable challenges in social skills and communication. Level 2 Autism means you need substantial support in daily life. You may see some overlap, but Level 2 focuses on how much help you need, not just your symptoms.

Can adults get diagnosed with autism?

Yes, you can get an autism diagnosis as an adult. Doctors use interviews, behavior checklists, and sometimes new AI tools. Many adults find answers and support after years of questions.

Is Rett Syndrome only found in girls?

Rett Syndrome mostly affects girls because of the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome. Boys can have Rett Syndrome, but it is very rare and usually more severe.

How do I know which type of autism I have?

You need a full evaluation from a doctor or psychologist. They look at your history, behavior, and test results. New tools in 2025 help doctors match your needs to the right type or level.

What therapies work best for autism?

You may benefit from therapies like ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Your team will choose what fits your needs. Many people use more than one therapy for the best results.

Can autism symptoms change over time?

Yes, your symptoms can change as you grow. Early support helps you build new skills. Some people need less help as adults, while others need more support.

Are there resources for families and teachers?

You can find many resources, such as school programs, support groups, and online tools. Ask your doctor or local autism center for help. Many websites offer tips for families and teachers.

Does early diagnosis make a difference?

Early diagnosis helps you get support sooner. You can learn new skills and feel more confident. Doctors and teachers can work with you to make a plan that fits your needs.