Types of Autism: Understanding the Spectrum for Families in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Introduction

If you’re a parent, educator, or professional in Fredericksburg, Virginia, you may have searched: What are the different types of autism?

The answer has changed over time.

Today, autism is officially diagnosed as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

However, many people still hear older terms like:

• Asperger’s Syndrome
  
  
• PDD-NOS
  
  
• High-functioning autism
  
  
• Classic autism
  
  

Understanding how these terms evolved, and what they mean now, can help families feel more confident navigating evaluations, school services, and therapy options.

In this guide, we’ll explain the historical “types” of autism, how diagnosis works today, and what this means for children and adults in Fredericksburg and across Virginia.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects:

• Social communication
  
  
• Social interaction
  
  
• Behavior and interests
  
  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism affects approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States.

The word spectrum is key, it reflects the wide range of strengths and support needs among individuals with autism.

In our sessions with families across Virginia, we’ve seen firsthand how two children with the same diagnosis can present very differently. That’s why understanding “types” requires understanding the spectrum.

The Historical Types of Autism

Before 2013, autism was divided into separate diagnoses under the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). In 2013, the DSM-5 combined these into one unified diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Let’s review the older categories, since many parents and educators still hear these terms.

1. Autistic Disorder (Classic Autism)

This was considered the more “traditional” presentation of autism.

Children diagnosed with Autistic Disorder often showed:

• Significant language delays
  
  
• Social communication difficulties
  
  
• Repetitive behaviors
  
  
• Sensory sensitivities
  
  

Case Example from Fredericksburg

We worked with a preschool-aged child in Fredericksburg who had limited verbal communication, preferred solitary play, and engaged in repetitive movements. Under DSM-IV, he likely would have received a diagnosis of Autistic Disorder.

With early ABA therapy, speech services, and coordinated school support, he developed functional communication skills and now participates meaningfully in his classroom.

2. Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s Syndrome was characterized by:

• Strong verbal skills
  
  
• Average or above-average intelligence
  
  
• Social communication challenges
  
  
• Intense, focused interests
  
  

Unlike classic autism, children with Asperger’s did not have significant language delays.

Many adults diagnosed before 2013 still identify as having Asperger’s.

Example from Our Work

We’ve supported teenagers in Virginia who excel academically but struggle with:

• Interpreting social cues
  
  
• Managing anxiety
  
  
• Flexible thinking
  
  

Under DSM-IV, these students may have been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Today, they are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1.

3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

PDD-NOS was often referred to as “atypical autism.”

It was diagnosed when:

• A child showed some characteristics of autism
  
  
• But did not meet full criteria for Autistic Disorder or Asperger’s
  
  

This category captured children whose developmental patterns did not neatly fit into other labels.

After 2013, PDD-NOS was absorbed into ASD.

4. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)

CDD was rare and involved:

• Typical early development
  
  
• Significant regression after age 2
  
  
• Loss of language and social skills
  
  

Today, regression is recognized within the broader ASD diagnosis.

Research indicates that approximately 20–30% of children with autism experience some regression.

How Autism Is Classified Today

Under the DSM-5, autism is diagnosed as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with support levels.

DSM-5 Support Levels

These levels describe how much assistance an individual needs in daily functioning, not intelligence or potential.

In our clinical experience across Virginia, we’ve seen children move between levels over time as skills develop.

Why the Change to One Spectrum?

The shift from separate “types” to one spectrum diagnosis helped:

• Improve diagnostic consistency
  
  
• Reduce confusion
  
  
• Reflect research findings
  
  
• Recognize overlapping traits
  
  

The National Institute of Mental Health explains that autism presents differently across individuals.

Instead of rigid categories, clinicians now evaluate:

• Social communication challenges
  
  
• Restricted/repetitive behaviors
  
  
• Sensory processing differences
  
  
• Functional impact
  
  

Other Terms You May Hear

Although not official diagnoses, families often encounter these terms.

High-Functioning Autism

This typically refers to individuals who:

• Have average or above-average intelligence
  
  
• Have verbal communication
  
  
• Need lower levels of support
  
  

However, the term can be misleading. We’ve worked with many “high-functioning” students who struggle significantly with anxiety, executive functioning, or social relationships.

Low-Functioning Autism

This outdated term is discouraged because it:

• Oversimplifies abilities
  
  
• Overlooks strengths
  
  
• Does not reflect potential
  
  

Professionals now focus on support needs rather than labels.

Co-Occurring Conditions

Autism often occurs alongside other conditions, including:

• ADHD
  
  
• Anxiety disorders
  
  
• Intellectual disability
  
  
• Speech and language disorders
  
  
• Sensory processing challenges
  
  

The CDC notes that many individuals with ASD have co-occurring conditions.

In our Fredericksburg sessions, it’s common to see overlapping diagnoses that require coordinated care.

How Types of Autism Impact School Services in Virginia

In Fredericksburg and throughout Virginia, autism qualifies under special education services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The Virginia Department of Education outlines eligibility guidelines .

Whether a child would have previously been diagnosed with:

• Asperger’s
  
  
• PDD-NOS
  
  
• Classic autism
  
  

They now qualify under Autism Spectrum Disorder.

School supports may include:

• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
  
  
• Speech therapy
  
  
• Occupational therapy
  
  
• Behavioral support plans
  
  
• Social skills instruction
  
  

Real-Life Example: Two Children, One Spectrum

In our work locally, we’ve supported:

Child A:

• Nonverbal at age 3
  
  
• Significant sensory sensitivities
  
  
• Required intensive ABA
  
  

Child B:

• Advanced vocabulary
  
  
• Difficulty making friends
  
  
• Anxiety in group settings
  
  

Both received an ASD diagnosis.

Both required support.

Both had very different strengths.

This illustrates why the spectrum model is more accurate than rigid “types.”

Early Identification and Intervention in Fredericksburg

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening at:

• 18 months
  
  
• 24 months
  
  

If concerns arise, families in Virginia can contact:

• Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia
  
  
• Local school districts for evaluation
  
  

We’ve consistently seen that earlier intervention leads to stronger long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

The “types of autism” people often reference, such as Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and Autistic Disorder, were historically separate diagnoses but are now unified under Autism Spectrum Disorder. This shift reflects a deeper understanding that autism exists along a broad and diverse spectrum of strengths and challenges. For families, educators, and professionals in Fredericksburg and across Virginia, this means focusing less on labels and more on individualized support needs. Every child and adult with autism has a unique developmental profile, and appropriate services, whether through school systems, therapy providers, or family collaboration, should be tailored accordingly. By understanding how autism classification has evolved, we can better advocate for inclusive, evidence-based support that empowers individuals on the spectrum to thrive in their homes, schools, and communities.

At Career Based Solutions,  we provide individualized ABA therapy in Fredericksburg, Virginia that helps children and families thrive. 

Every child with autism has unique strengths and needs. Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

SOURCES:

https://www.cdc.gov/autism

https://www.psychiatry.org

https://publications.aap.org

https://www.nimh.nih.gov

https://www.cdc.gov/autism