Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Symptoms
The term “autism” refers to a variety of neurodevelopmental problems. If your kid has autism, you must be aware of the many forms of autism and the symptoms they exhibit, also molecular autism.
signs of autism in infants
Understanding the various problems that each type of autism entails can assist you in assisting your child cope with the condition.
Asperger’s syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, Kanner’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise specified are the five main types of autism.
Asperger’s Syndrome
Prior to 2013, the term “Asperger’s syndrome” was quite popular, although it is no longer used by medical professionals.
signs of autism in infants
Asperger’s syndrome was reclassified as level 1 autism spectrum disorder by the DSM-5 diagnostic guide. Still, Asperger’s syndrome may still be referred to informally — in fact, levels 1 and 2 on the spectrum are more widely used.
The child with level 1 spectrum disorder will have above-average intellect and verbal aptitude, but he or she will struggle to communicate socially.
In general, a child with level 1 autism spectrum disorder will have the following symptoms:
- Inflexibility in thinking and behavior
- Switching between activities may be difficult.
- Executive functioning issues
- Monotone speech, a lack of emotional expressiveness in their voice, or the inability to alter their tone to match the current situation are all symptoms.
- At school or at home, it’s difficult to engage with others.
Rett Syndrome
Rett syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disease that affects infants. The condition mostly impacts females, although it can occur in males as well.
Rett syndrome has numerous challenges, particularly in the areas of motor function and communication.
The key thing is that your youngster may continue to have a happy and productive life if he or she is given the proper attention. You can spend time with your family and offer assistance so that the child may do what they enjoy.
The following are some of the most frequent Rett syndrome symptoms:
- Movement and coordination deteriorate to an extent where they are no longer considered normal.
- Communication and speech difficulties confront him.
- In some cases, breathing difficulties develop.
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
CDD, also known as Heller’s syndrome or disintegrative psychosis, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by the late onset of developmental disorders in language, motor skills, or social interaction.
After a child reaches the age of three, and up to the age of ten, he or she should be developing normally in these areas. Parents who had no idea their youngster had autism difficulties all along might find this developmental loss particularly painful.
CDD is a condition in which the body lacks enough vitamin D, resulting in multiple health issues. While researchers aren’t sure what causes it, they believe that neurobiological factors may play a role.
CDD affects boys more often than girls (9:1), with childhood disintegrative disorder being the most prevalent form of the disease.
In CDD, a child’s development will be normal until the disorder begins, at which time he or she will begin to have developmental regressions in more than two areas of his or her life.
The following skills and capabilities may be lost by the toddler:
- If a person never owned or used a toilet before, they should be able to use it with ease.
- Vocabularies or languages that have been acquired.
- Adaptive behaviors and social skills
- Basic motor skills
Kanner’s Syndrome
Leo Kanner of John Hopkins University discovered Kanner’s syndrome in 1943, defining it as infantile autism.
The condition is also referred to as classic autistic disorder by doctors. With Kanner’s syndrome symptoms such as:
- Others lack of emotional connection with you
- Communication issues and difficulties
- Restoration undirected speech
- Collecting objects is a complete and total obsession.
- With very severe problems learning in other categories, you have a high degree of rote memory and visuospatial capabilities.
Not Otherwise Specified Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) is a mild form of autism characterized by a variety of symptoms.
The most frequent symptoms include difficulties in social and language development.
Your child’s speaking and other motor skills, such as walking, may be delayed.
You can tell whether a child has Asperger’s syndrome by looking at him or her and seeing where he/she lacks in particular, such as socializing.
Subthreshold PDD-NOS is sometimes referred to as “subthreshold autism,” since it is a description for someone who has some but not all characteristics of autism..
How to Manage a Spectrum of Autism Symptoms
The management of autism is dependent on the type and intensity of symptoms.
Individuals with mild forms of autism, such as level 1 autism spectrum disorder, can get help from behavior modification or social training, whereas those with Rett syndrome will require more intensive assistance, such as physical or occupational therapy.
Other types of autism necessitate modifications in behavior and other supports. To avoid preservatives, gluten, and artificial sugars, you may be forced to alter your kid’s diet.
Another example is adding food colorings to various meals in order to stimulate your child’s visual abilities while they eat. Your family physician will advise you on the most suitable treatment choices based on their situation.
