Autism Disorder refers to a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders. If your child is living with autism, you need to understand the various types of autism and the symptoms presented by each. Understanding the unique challenges presented by each type of autism will guide you in helping your child cope with the disorder.
People with autistic disorder usually have significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests. Many people with autistic disorder also have an intellectual disability. However, these disabilities do not make them less of a human. Find out more about Autism disorders to understand them fully.
What are the Types of Autism Disorders?
- Asperger’s Syndrome. It is a developmental disorder that leads to a difficult time relating to others socially and their behavior and thinking patterns can be rigid and repetitive. Typical symptoms may include flat monotone speech, the inability to express feelings in their speech or change their pitch to fit their immediate environment.
- Rett Syndrome. It is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that is noticed in infancy. It typically affects girls, although it can still be diagnosed in boys. Symptoms of Rett syndrome include loss of standard movement and coordination and challenges with communication and speech.
- Childhood disintegrative disorder. It is a condition in which children develop normally through age 3 or 4. Then, over a few months, they lose language, motor, social, and other skills that they already learned. Childhood disintegrative disorder is more common in boys.
- Kanner’s syndrome. It is also known as Classic Autistic Disorder, and its symptoms include challenges in communicating or understanding others, engaging in virtually no eye contact, and hypersensitivity to stimuli.
- Pervasive developmental disorder. is a mild type of autism that presents a range of symptoms. The most common symptoms are challenges in social and language development. Your child may experience delays in language development, walking, and other motor skills.
Managing Different Types of Autism
Management of autism depends on the type of autism and the severity of symptoms. Modifying behaviors or teaching social skills can help manage mild forms of autism, for example. Physical and occupational therapy would be more appropriate for people with Rett syndrome.
If your child has autism, you might need to help him modify his behavior and provide additional support. You may also require him to change his diet to avoid preservatives, gluten, and artificial sugar. Your family doctor will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your child. Spreading awareness of Autism can also help.
