Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition related to a child’s brain development that impacts how they perceive and behave with the world around them. Children with ASD face behavioral, communication, and cognitive challenges.
ASD is a disorder and not a disease. It is a developmental condition that causes a relatively large variance in how children experience and interact with their environment. No two children with ASD may have the same symptoms. This is why the term “spectrum” is ideal for defining the various characteristics and severity levels seen in children with autism.
Before 2013, separate diagnoses were made for those with varying degrees of autism. These subtypes included
In 2013, the various subtypes were brought under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The change was made because the American Psychiatric Association believed the word spectrum was all-encompassing and included all linked conditions and related symptoms seen with autism.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) categorizes autism into three levels.
Level 1 is the highest functioning level. Children diagnosed with Level 1 autism do need support, but they can learn expected social skills. They are usually able to gain independence and live full lives.
Level 2 is the midrange level of ASD. Children diagnosed with Level 2 autism will likely have more evident verbal, social, and behavioral challenges. They are likely to have continued challenges even with support.
Level 3 autism is the most severe form, and it accounts for the lowest level of functioning for children and adults. Children with level 3 autism will exhibit symptoms of Level 1 and Level 2 autism, but they are far more severe.
The children usually have other health concerns as well. These children will most likely need substantial lifelong support from a caregiver.
While the severity level of symptoms across the spectrum varies greatly, children with ASD all share some common traits. Evidently, children with autism seem to lack the capability to understand that their peers may have different beliefs and emotions than their own.
This thought pattern is a fairly huge handicap for autistic children since it makes social interactions far more challenging for them. Children struggle to engage or empathize with the feelings of others.
Symptoms of children on the autism spectrum can include:
Most children on the spectrum turn their attention inwards and show little desire to interact with others.
Although there is no clear cause-and-effect correlation for ASD, possible causes can include the following:
Children with autism may sometimes be characterized as having high- or low-functioning autism. However, the fact is that most autistic children fall somewhere between these two categories. They may be low-functioning in some areas but high-functioning in others.
High-functioning autism is an autism classification for someone who does not demonstrate any cognitive disability but faces communication deficits.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diagnosis used to describe a wide set of cognitive and communication disabilities.
High-functioning autism is not a diagnosis but a term used to describe those who do not suffer an intellectual disability due to their autism.
While children with high-functioning autism may not have cognitive limitations, they face challenges in many other areas of life that neurotypical children easily sail through.
Low-functioning autism refers to children or adults with the type of autism that causes severe symptoms, affecting their daily functioning. They also often suffer from some form of intellectual disability.
Children with low-functioning autism need far more support from their caregivers than children with other forms or levels of autism. They tend to face severe social difficulties, are usually nonverbal, and have rigid behavior patterns.
Therapies and treatment can help manage the condition, but early intervention is critical for success. These children are unlikely to be able to live independently as adults and need intensive therapy and round-the-clock support with basic activities.
Asperger’s syndrome (AS) was first identified in the 1940s by Hans Asperger to diagnose people with a form of autism.
Since 2013, Asperger’s is no longer considered a formal diagnosis. It has since been included under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Children with AS are usually characterized by average to above-average cognitive ability and limited social skills. They also tend to have an obsessive focus on one topic or perform the same behaviors repeatedly.
Both Asperger’s and high-functioning autism are considered milder than other levels of disability on the autism spectrum.
Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) is an extremely rare condition that causes a severe loss of previously learned social, physical, behavioral, and communication skills. The condition is also referred to as Heller’s syndrome, named after Theodore Heller, who first identified the condition in 1908. Heller originally referred to the condition as disintegrative psychosis.
Children with CDD seem to follow a pattern where initial years of normal growth and development, up to the age of 2, are followed by a severe regression in skills. CDD is categorized as an autism spectrum disorder because it shares a similar profile of debilitating developmental effects in children.
Until 2013, the term pervasive development disorder – not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) was used to describe one of the forms of autism. The phrase “not otherwise specified” was a reference to the diagnosis being atypical of autism as it was identified.
PDD is now a recognized subtype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it is also used to diagnose those who meet some but not all criteria of ASD. In general, children with PDD are likely to have relatively milder ASD symptoms. This is why PDD is sometimes also referred to as atypical autism.
Kanner’s syndrome, also known as early infantile autism, was first identified in the 1940s by Leo Kanner. It is considered one of the earliest descriptions of autism and is now classified under autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Children with Kanner’s syndrome typically experience significant challenges in social interaction, communication, and behavior.
They may struggle with verbal and nonverbal communication, engage in repetitive actions, and have heightened sensitivity to sensory input.
Kanner’s syndrome is generally associated with greater developmental delays compared to other forms of autism, including Asperger’s and high-functioning autism.
Rett syndrome is a congenital disease that affects the development of the brain and nervous system. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Although Rett syndrome was originally grouped as a type of autism, in 2011, it was identified as a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Rett syndrome is a genetic condition. However, it is not passed on from a parent to their child. Instead, the condition occurs due to a mutation in the X chromosome. And the condition is almost exclusively seen in girls.
Although Rett syndrome is not life-threatening, it severely affects the functioning ability of those diagnosed with the condition. Unfortunately, there is no cure for it.
The disorder was first identified in 1966 by Austrian doctor Dr. Andreas Rett, after whom the condition is named.
At Sunshine Advantage, we provide ABA therapy support to help children on the autism spectrum. An ASD diagnosis can be overwhelming for both the child and the family, and knowing what steps to take next can feel intimidating.
Our team works closely with families to design personalized therapy plans that focus on each child's unique needs and goals. In collaboration with other providers, we offer Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and Speech Therapy for a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to care that supports every aspect of your child’s development.
For appointments, please call Sunshine Advantage at 855-523-2327 or contact us online.
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Our mission at Sunshine Advantage is to provide every child in our care with the tools they need to grow and succeed.
