Autism Society Ontario
Simcoe County Branch

Outline on Disorders that have similar symptoms to Autism

Landau-Kleffner Syndrome

This exhibits many autistic behaviours such as social withdrawal, insistence on sameness, and language problems.  These individuals are often thought of as having ‘regressive’ autism because they appear to be normal until sometime between ages 3 and 7.  They often have good language skills in early childhood but gradually lose their ability to talk.

Williams Syndrome 

Is characterized by several autistic behaviours including developmental and language delays, sound sensitivity, attention deficits, and social problems.  In contrast to many autistic individuals, those with Williams Syndrome are quite sociable and have heart problems.

Fragile x Syndrome

Is a related disorder to Autism Spectrum Disorders but not classified as being an Autism Spectrum Disorder.  It is a form of mental retardation in which the long arm of the X chromosome is constricted.  Approximately 15% of people with  Fragile X Syndrome exhibit autistic behaviours.

Autistic Savant

A small percentage of children/adults while profoundly autistic have islets of high functioning to genus abilities. The autistic savant is one of the most fascinating cognitive phenomena in psychology.
"Autistic savant" refers to individuals with autism who have extraordinary skills not exhibited by most persons. Historically, individuals with these exceptional skills were called 'idiot savants,' a French term meaning unlearned (idiot) skill (savant). In a 1978 article in Psychology Today, Dr. Bernard Rimland introduced a more appropriate term 'autistic savant,' which is the current label.
The estimated prevalence of savant abilities in autism is 10%, whereas the prevalence in the non-autistic population, including those with mental retardation, is less than 1%.
There are many forms of savant abilities. The most common forms involve mathematical calculations, memory feats, artistic abilities, and musical abilities. A mathematical ability which many autistic individuals display is calendar memory.
They could be asked a question like' what day of the week was May 22, 1972? and they can determine the answer within seconds--Monday. Others can multiply and divide large numbers in their head and can also calculate square roots and prime numbers without much hesitation.

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Copyright © 2003 Autism Society Ontario - Simcoe County Branch
Last modified: February 02, 2003