Classic autism
Classic autism, also known as childhood autism, autistic disorder, (early) infantile autism, infantile psychosis, Kanner's autism, Kanner's syndrome, or (formerly) just autism, is a neurodevelopmental condition first described by Leo Kanner in 1943. It is characterized by atypical and impaired development in social interaction and communication as well as restricted, repetitive behaviors, activities, and interests. These symptoms first appear in early childhood and persist throughout life.
| Autism | |
|---|---|
| Major brain structures implicated in autism | |
| Specialty | Psychiatry, pediatrics, occupational medicine |
| Symptoms | Trouble with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and presence of restricted interests and repetitive behavior |
| Complications | Social isolation, employment problems, stress, self-harm, suicide |
| Usual onset | By age two or three |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Causes | Genetic and environmental factors |
| Diagnostic method | Based on behavior and developmental history |
| Differential diagnosis | Reactive attachment disorder, intellectual disability, schizophrenia |
| Treatment | Occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychotropic medication |
| Medication | Antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants (associated symptoms) |
| Frequency | 24.8 million (2015) |
It was last recognized as a diagnosis in the DSM-IV and ICD-10, and has been superseded by autism spectrum disorder in the DSM-5 (2013) and ICD-11 (2022). Globally, classic autism was estimated to affect 24.8 million people as of 2015.
Autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, with genetic factors thought to heavily predominate. Controversies surrounded other proposed environmental causes; for example, the vaccine hypothesis, which although disproved, continues to hold sway in certain communities.
After DSM-5/ICD-11 the term "autism" has become more commonly used in reference to the autism spectrum more broadly.