Things to Know About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a condition where the way the brain perceives and understands will have an impact due to the neurological progress of the brain. It will affect the socialization and communication skills of a person.“Autism spectrum disorder” is a broader term that accommodates types of autism spectrum disorders like:

Asperger’s syndrome, Rett syndrome, Kanner’s syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

Autistic spectrum disorder-Symptoms

Depending on the type of disease that falls under the spectrum, each person’s signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder might vary. The following are the most common:

• Lack of eye contact.
• Lack of response when called by name.
• Difficulty in communicating and perceiving.
• Sometimes might turn aggressive during social interaction.
• Hand flaps and repetitive movements.
• Excessively concentrating on something.

These are some signs of Autism spectrum disorder. Apart from these, there are several behavioral, interpretative, and communicative indications.

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder

There are no diagnostic procedures, such as testing blood samples to identify the disorder. It is necessary to observe the person’s perceptions and behavioral patterns: eye contact, body language, social communication, reciprocation, and responsive elements to determine autism. Around the age of 18 months, autistic spectrum disorder is detectable. There are no singular causes of autism spectrum disorder, but an abnormality in the brain structure or function is a major cause.

Under the spectrum-Types of autism spectrum disorder

The underlying cause for all illnesses in the autism spectrum is brain development. Depending on where the brain development is affected the autism syndromes begin to vary. 

Asperger’s syndrome

Asperger’s syndrome affects the perception of social interaction, humor, and non-verbal communication. Those with this syndrome will speak and get along with peers but have restricted areas of interest. They have a repetitive pattern of behavior and thought processes.

Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome is a genetic disorder that has an impact on brain development. Due to the syndrome, the brain’s development and growth slow down over time. During the infancy stage, this syndrome can impact the muscle movements and communications of the child. In the later stages, repetitive hand motions like clapping and flapping may occur.  Females are more likely to be affected by Rett syndrome than males. 

Kanner’s syndrome

Kanner’s syndrome, also called Classic Autistic disorder, is identified during the infancy stage. Children with this syndrome are more likely to develop a liking for toys and objects than human contact and socialization. They are also more likely to be sensitive to touch, smell, sounds, and taste. 

Pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified

The symptoms of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified type are not as severe as the others. Children with this will be slow-paced in walking, talking, and infancy development. This syndrome and the symptoms are manageable.

Childhood disintegrative disorder

Childhood disintegrative disorder hits a child suddenly, interrupting the developmental stage. There might be no symptoms as such until a particular age. The child will be at a pace like other children. Suddenly, social interaction and communication turn topsy-turvy.

These are the types of autism spectrum disorders and the variation between them.

Therapy for autism spectrum disorder

There is no legit treatment to rectify the condition. The symptoms might continue to persist. Taking part in speech therapy, behavioral therapies, and other such therapies can help develop new skills and social interaction. It will enhance the areas that an Autistic person/child might lack.

Autism spectrum disorder can make individuals expect a helping hand. But the attention they might spend, the passionate drive towards their interests, and the potential effort they can make also comes along with Autism spectrum disorder.