In the second half of 2025, a groundbreaking study published in Nature Genetics revealed that autism is not just a spectrum, but actually consists of four distinct subtypes linked to specific genes and developmental trajectories.
🔍 What Are the Four Subtypes?
Social and Behavioral Challenges (~37%) Marked difficulties in social interaction and repetitive behaviors. Language and motor development are typical, but there is a higher occurrence of comorbidities like ADHD, anxiety, and OCD. Autism with Developmental Delay (~19%) Milestones like walking and talking occur later, with fewer psychiatric comorbidities. Predominantly associated with inherited genetic mutations. Moderate Challenges (~34%) Milder autistic traits with few or no delays and low impact on daily life. Broadly Affected (~10%) Severe cases with significant developmental delays, intense language and social difficulties, and high rates of anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. Often linked to non-inherited (de novo) genetic mutations.
🌱 What Changes With This Subdivision?
1. More Accurate and Earlier Diagnosis
This classification allows professionals to predict which symptoms may appear in each trajectory, when interventions are most effective, and how to design personalized support plans.
2. Tailored Therapeutic Approaches
Families can choose strategies (education, occupational therapy, emotional support) that are better aligned with the child’s genetic and behavioral profile, improving outcomes.
3. Science Recognizes ASD’s Biological Diversity
Different mutations and developmental processes emerge at distinct stages — some before birth, others during early development — challenging the outdated idea of autism as a uniform condition.
📌 What Does This Mean for Families?
🚸 Children in the “Moderate” group may benefit from lighter interventions, focusing on autonomy and social skills. 🧩 Those in the “Broadly Affected” group can access early multidisciplinary support, guided by clearer diagnostic pathways. 🧠 Parents can better understand patterns such as inherited vs. spontaneous mutations and seek genetic counseling when needed. 🤝 Professionals (psychologists, educators, therapists) can adapt strategies using a double empathy approach to reduce misunderstandings between autistic and neurotypical individuals.
🧠 Conclusion
This subdivision is a huge step forward for the future of neurodiversity:
Autism is not a single condition but a collection of biological narratives, each with its own unique story.
This breakthrough paves the way for more effective interventions, targeted support, and a narrative that honors the individuality of every autistic person.
https://theweek.com/health/autism-subtypes-health-research-asd?utm_source=chatgpt.com