No one individual experiences autism in the same exact way.

It is a spectrum. There is more than one type of autism.

Asperger Syndrome

Asperger Syndrome is one of the few ASDs (autism spectrum disorders) and is diagnosed by the absence of significant socialized tendencies. These characteristics include finding difficulty in social interaction and the limited and monotonous patterns of an individual's behavior and what happens to keep their interests. Other symptoms can include clumsiness and abnormal use of jargon. Asperger differs from other ASDs because it seeks to preserve lingual and the development of cognitive capabilities. There is no known cause for the disorder and no treatment to cure the disorder.

Kanner's Syndrome

Kanner Syndrome, otherwise known as autism, is autism in its classic form. It is defined as a neural developmental disorder and is characterized by weakened communication and social interaction and the limitation and repetitiveness of behavior. Autism is usually diagnosed by the time the child hits the age of 3. It affects information the brain processes by changing the way nerve cells and synapses are allotted to connect and be organized. Just like Asperger Syndrome, Kanner Syndrome is one of the few ASDs.

PDD-NOS

The acronym PDD-NOS stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified and is defined as a pervasive developmental disorder and the disorder that completes the group of ASDs. With the diagnosis of PDD-NOS, an individual can qualify for some of the characteristics found in autism and Asperberger, but because they do not fit all of the criterion for the disorders, they become diagnosed with PDD-NOS. It is commonly referred to as atypical autism because although it is autism, it is very hard for it to fall in the category of autism.

Rett's Syndrome

Rett syndrome is a developmental disorder of the neurological system that affects a major component of the central nervous system, known as "grey matter". This is generally characterized by the outward appearance of small feet, hands, and a decrease in the rate at which an individual's head is supposed to go. Hand movements are repetitive. Scoliosis, constipation, and the failure to grow are also common problems with Rett. It is very rare, but when it does happen, it usually only affects girls.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

Similar to Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder is also rare. Children who have it typically appear to be normal at birth, growth occurs when it is supposed to occur, no signs of anything potentially problematic. However, at age two or four, things take a shift. Instead of progressing, the child seems to regress. They will have no desire to interact with kids and have no interest in playing. Talking will either end completely or decrease in skill from what it previously had been.