Atypical autism

Autism affects three areas: 

• understanding and using non-verbal and verbal communication
• understanding social behaviour
• thinking and behaving flexibly — which may be shown in restricted, obsessional or repetitive activities. 

A child is diagnosed with atypical autism when they share the majority of characteristics for autism but does not feature all three difficulties, or because they are too young to be diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD).

In our experience, children with atypical autism do still demonstrate difficulties very similar to that of children with autism. This can include communication difficulties, understanding non-verbal communication, social boundaries, preferring routine and difficulties with processing sensory information. Typically, children with atypical autism benefit from the same therapies and support as children with autism. Atypical autism is typically recognised as a special educational need (SEN).

As atypical autism is a spectrum disorder, SEN additional support may be adequate in some cases, whereas in others an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) will be necessary. Careful assessment of the impact of the child’s needs is required to establish the necessary level of support and special educational needs advice should be sought.