What does atypical autism mean?

A person has atypical autism when they show some symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but not enough to make a diagnosis. It is also called subthreshold autism, indicating that it does not fully meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD.

According to the International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10), subthreshold autism is “a category of developmental disorders characterized by impaired communication and socialization skills”. The diagnosis of atypical autism is being phased out.

When can atypical autism be diagnosed?

Most doctors no longer diagnose children with atypical autism. But just because Atypical Autism is no longer considered an independent disorder does not mean that people who fit this description no longer exist. There will always be people who have symptoms of autism that don’t completely match the way most people think of it.

Signs of autism spectrum disorders can show up at an early age. Children with autism are usually around three years old, although they may be diagnosed earlier.

Parents should watch for symptoms such as:

• delayed development of speech
• non-verbal communication,
• mild cognitive delays,
• lack of eye contact,
• lack of response to their name

Sometimes children were diagnosed with atypical autism because their symptoms appeared later than usual.