Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifetime neurodevelopmental condition which symptoms affect behavioural, educational and social interactions. It incorporates as Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorders. Understanding autism is very crucial in a child’s life. Poor understanding will depreciate a child’s self-esteem, affecting his learning abilities.

“Spectrum” implies a range of symptoms in patients with ASD. They have difficulties in speaking and usually execute different gestures that might appear strange. They have limited interests and express monotonous behaviours. They often seem to have their own space where they freely do what they want.

What Are the Types of Spectrum Disorders? Here are some of the older terms.

Asperger’s syndrome. This is a more temperate type of autism spectrum. People who have Asperger symptoms obtain average or above average intellect, intelligent enough and can handle the daily life. They may have fewer issues with speech but may still have problems with understanding and refining language. They have average academic abilities, nonetheless they also have specific learning concerns.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). An autism more severe than Asperger’s syndrome, PDD-NOS may exist with a wide spectral range of intellectual potential. Its defining features are significant problems in sociable and language development. It has been examined further that this is more severe than Asperger’s syndrome, but not as severe as autistic disorder.

Some developmental medical health experts implies to PDD-NOS as “subthreshold autism.” Quite simply, it’s the prognosis they use for anyone who has some, however, not all characteristics of autism or that has relatively minor symptoms. For example, a person may have significant autism symptoms in a single primary area such as interpersonal deficits, but gentle or no symptoms in another key area such as constrained, cyclical behaviors.

Autistic disorder. Autistic disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that always appears through the first 3 years of life. It exhibits the same symptoms with Asperger’s syndrome and PDD-NOS, but at an intensified level.

Understanding autism, this kid seems to be in his own world, demonstrating little fascination with others and low social recognition. The child is focused on steady schedule and usually practices habitual strange actions. Autistic children frequently have problems in communication, avoid attention contact and show limited connection to others.

Childhood disintegrative disorder. This is the most uncommon part of the spectrum. Years as a child disintegrative disorder (CDD), also called Heller’s syndrome and disintegrative psychosis, is an exceptional condition seen as a late starting point of developmental delays in words, public function, and motor unit skills. It characterized children who develop normally and then promptly losing many social, speech, and mental abilities, usually between ages 2 and 4.

What do Children with ASD Experience?

Communication Practices

Understanding autism and its language is critical. Children with Autism frequently have challenges with being attentiveness and speech. While some children have bounded articulation, other children stand out in vocabulary development but have problems with the distinct body gestures. Therefore, children with ASD struggle with engaging in interactions, group activities and might not apprehend abstract languages. 

Sensory Responsiveness

Children with ASD can have sensory deficiency, getting easily affected or alter their emotions by what they see, feel, hear and touch. Therefore, it is very crucial to gain better understanding of each child’s specific sensory judgment to help them improve in both therapy and educational growth.

Definitive and Repeating Behaviours

Children with Autism tend to acquire behaviours that are different to that of the friends. Definitive and consistent practices such as organizing and sorting items and other suggested routines generally helps in improving their communication and handling daily life. Having knowledge of the child’s behaviour in several situations helps meet the precise needs of the child and can significantly reduce resentment.

Social Engagement

It is definitely challenging for a child with ASD to have social interactions. They can be struggling in each social activity like reading and deciphering facial expressions and body language. Our lack of understanding to their situation can lead to frustration and failing development. It is important that their social needs are addressed by conducting group therapies.

Understanding autism and our children is a part of parenthood we can’t escape from. Through the most loving ways possible, observe keenly and share with them the world they currently have so they don’t feel lost and alone.

People also read: National Guidelines for Autism Diagnosis