Treatment And Therapy For Low Functioning Autism
A childs first years are crucial to their level of development and future learning and growth. By taking action and getting support right away, parents can help their children realize the best possible outcome. Early intervention also has a positive impact on the parents, by providing them with insight and tools to use as they learn to navigate their relationship with their special needs child.
Every child and adult with autism has varying degrees of symptoms and although they may share similarities, no two people with autism are alike, especially considering the fact that they often are diagnosed with numerous medical conditions that can include suffering from Sensory Processing Disorder, anxiety disorder, ADHD, Tourettes Syndrome, and many others.
Regardless of the childs diagnosis, early intervention is the key to helping children with autism progress. Therapy and intervention can include applied behavioral analysis, speech therapy, augmentative and alternative communication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, dietary restrictions, and treatment and diagnosis of comorbid medical conditions. Some parents also opt for less conventional music therapy and pet therapy.
Dont Miss: Can A Child With Autism Have Dyslexia
Level : Requiring Support
Level 1 ASD is the mildest, or the most high-functioning, form of autism. Children with level 1 ASD have a hard time communicating appropriately with others. For example, they may not say the right thing at the right time or be able to read social cues and body language.
A person with ASD level 1 usually is able to speak in full sentences and communicate, but has trouble engaging in back-and-forth conversation with others. They may try to make friends, but not be very successful.
They may also be inflexible in certain ways and have trouble moving from one activity to another. Additionally, they may have problems with organization and planning that prevent them from being as independent as expected for their age.
When Should I See My Doctor
It’s important to seek help if you are concerned you or your child has autism. Early intervention offers the best outcomes, no matter what type of autism a child has.
There may be different signs of autism in different ages.
In the first year, a baby with autism might not be interested in other people and may not make eye contact with their parents. They may not smile or gesture like other babies.
As toddlers, children with autism might not respond to their name, or might focus on activities like lining up toys. They may not be interested in playing with other children or might speak in a monotone way.
Older children with autism might have difficulties in social situations, following instructions or making friends.
Sometimes people are not diagnosed with autism until they are adults. They may spend their lives feeling like they dont quite fit in. They may have difficulties with relationships, work and social situations. They may also have mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Autism Awareness Australia provides information about signs of autism in people at different ages.
Read Also: Autism Level 2
What Is Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder has such a wide spectrum that is truly hard to narrow it down. So in 2013 the DSM-5, in an attempt to bring clarity to the different areas of the spectrum, grouped them into Levels 1-3.
*Level 1 is where my boy falls on the spectrum. What does that mean?
- They can use age-appropriate language, read, write, do math, show affection, complete daily tasks but cant hold eye contact, maintain a conversation, engage in play,or pick up on social cues.
- They have significant speech and language delays, but are able to take part in an inclusive academic program because their age-appropriate academic skills
- They have relatively mild speech and social delays, but have severe sensory issues which make it impossible for them to take part in an inclusive academic program.
- They have severe anxiety, learning disabilities, and sensory challenges but have age-appropriate speech and extraordinary abilities in music, math, and engineering
*Indicates website where information was taken for you to reference and read further. This is a great resource.
Level : Requiring Substantial Support
People who meet the level 2 criteria need more support than those with level 1 autism. Social challenges can make holding a conversation very difficult.
Even with support, the person may find it hard to communicate coherently, and they are more likely to respond in ways that neurotypical people consider surprising or inappropriate.
The person may:
- only discuss very specific topics
- have difficulty understanding or using nonverbal communication, including facial expression
For example, they may face away from the person with whom they are communicating.
People with level 2 autism may also find daily functioning difficult due to the challenges of coping with change. Facing change might cause them to experience significant distress.
Read Also: What Disability Does Collin Gosselin Have
As Autism Awareness Increases Across The Country More Parents Are Gaining An Understanding That Their Kids Are Not Just Socially Awkward Or Late Bloomers But That They Are Living With An Autistic Spectrum Disorder
There are different levels of disability on the Spectrum. Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism are the mildest. HFA, though no longer an accepted medical term, refers to a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders and is quite similar to AS. However, the two can be differentiated by specific characteristics more commonly associated with one than the other. If you are concerned your child may be living with HFA, understanding the distinct signs and symptoms of HFA may help you decide if you need to look for treatment for autism in Little Rock.
Why Some People Continue To Use Aspergers Syndrome
One of the issues with letting go of Aspergers may be that the category of autism spectrum disorder is very broad. It, perhaps, doesnt speak specifically enough to people who might be leading independent lives, holding down jobs, and functioning at a high level. It may be difficult for some of these people to identify with a condition that is often linked to severe intellectual disability.
Read Also: Symmetra Autistic
Understanding The 3 Different Levels Of Adult Autism
Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is complex and nuanced.
Usually, there is not just one but several issues that affect a person with ASD. These can include symptoms related to the condition. Additionally, there also can be secondary symptoms. These are typically connected to other mental health issues that also go along with autism.
To break down the symptoms of autism into more distinct categories, researchers have created a system. There are three categories, or levels, of autism. The criteria for these categories is formalized in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, or DSM-5.
Of course, nobody likes being labeled. And these classifications are not meant to discriminate. Rather, they help to better focus the care, attention, and services needed to best help someone with autism.
Lets take a closer look at all three.
Low Functioning Vs High Functioning Autism
In contrast, the phrase low functioning is often used to describe someone who has significant challenges that may prevent them from participating in normal activities such as going to school or work. These individuals are often non-verbal and may engage in a variety of behaviors others find strange. When an individual is labeled low functioning assumptions may be made about what that person is capable of achieving, or even how aware they may be of what is going on around them.
Don’t Miss: Autism Hypnosis
What Are The Symptoms Of Autism
The most obvious symptoms tend to involve communication and interaction with others.
Autistic people may have different ways of learning, thinking, and problem-solving. Intellectually, autistic people can fall on a range from severely challenged to gifted.
Everybody is different. Some people will have many symptoms, and some will have only a few. Signs of autism in a 3-year-old or 4-year-old may look different from those who are teens or adults. Some autistic people may be able to mask their symptoms.
General signs of autism may include:
- not responding to their name
- avoiding eye contact or not showing an awareness when others are speaking
- not understanding sharing or taking turns
- not looking at objects shown to them
- not pointing or responding to pointing
- having difficulty understanding facial expressions
In older children and adults, you might also notice:
- having difficulty reading body language, facial expressions, and other social cues
- not getting sarcasm, teasing, or figures of speech
- speaking in monotone
Levels Of Support For Asd
People with autism receive the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. However, as it is apparent from the name, it is a spectrum disorder. This means that a person can be autistic on different levels ranging from mild to severe.
In addition to the severity, people with autism may also show different symptoms aside from the core ones. Not two people with autism are the same.
Many people with autism also have additional related symptoms such as language impairments in addition to the telltale, core symptoms of ASD.
In order for the clinicians as well as other professionals and individuals to be able to better describe individual cases of autism, the creators of the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders developed three levels of support.
By following the guidelines of the DSM-5 , clinicians diagnose people with autism at Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3.
Read Also: Printable Visual Schedules For Students With Autism
Challenges For Individuals With Level 1 Autism
Some of the biggest challenges for individuals with level 1 autism is the expectation that they be the same as everyone else. While those with a level 2 or 3 diagnosis may receive accommodations, individuals with level 1 autism are often expected to conform to social norms. Many assume that because they may be intelligent and able to communicate, that they dont have the same challenges as others on the spectrum.
People with level 1 autism may be very aware of their own difficulties and the negative reactions of others. Yet they are unable to control the fact that they have sensory issues, lack social awareness or experience anxiety and depression. Like others on the spectrum they may experience difficulty with transitions or change, and may struggle to maintain effective social communication.
Asd Level : Requiring Support
Level 1 is the mildest, or highest functioning form of autism, which includes those who would have previously been diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome. Individuals with ASD level 1 may have difficulty understanding social cues and may struggle to form and maintain personal relationships. A child with level 1 autism may understand and speak in complete sentences, but have difficulty engaging in back-and-forth conversation.
Children with ASD level 1 experience some inflexibility of behavior, like difficulty switching between tasks, staying organized, and planning.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Life Expectancy Of People With Autism
You May Like: Jerry Seinfeld Autistic
Why Is It Important To Understand The Levels Of Autism
Autism spectrum is quite wide. While some people with autism can perform complex tasks and are brilliant at certain subjects, others can be intellectually challenged or may not even speak.
Many people with autism have severe communication problems in their daily lives. On the other hand, some people with autism grow up to be exceptional public speakers or successful business owners.
The levels of support for autism spectrum disorder were developed to address this issue of variety. The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria include three functional levels.
Each of these levels is determined based on the amount of support that an individual with autism required to function in their lives.
Assigning a functional level with an autism spectrum diagnosis could provide a clearer picture of an individuals abilities and needs.
This also gives the families and caregivers of the individual with autism a sense of direction on what to do next to provide the most comfortable life for the autistic person.
Come along with 200k+ families!
Explore the endless possibilities of learning!
Their inflexible behaviors or other restricted and repetitive behaviors appear frequently enough to be apparent to those around them. Compared to Level 1 ASD, people with Level 2 ASD struggle more with their restricted and repetitive behaviors.
Routines and habits may feel like a must-do for people with Level 2 ASD. If these are interrupted, they become upset and uncomfortable.
Are Siblings At Greater Risk For Autism Spectrum Disorder
The truth is that genetics do play a role in autism. When one child is diagnosed with ASD, the next child to come along has about a 20% greater risk of developing autism than normal. When the first two children in a family have both been diagnosed with ASD, the third child has about a 32% greater risk of developing ASD.
You May Like: What Is The Life Expectancy Of People With Autism
You May Like: James Holzhauer Autistic
What Are Signs To Look For With Autism
Parents and teachers should be aware of the following signs and symptoms of autism in children:
- Problems with social interactions: The child may prefer to play alone rather than with other children.
- Trouble communicating: Some people may perceive the child as odd, difficult, or rude because they act differently or do not communicate in the same way as other children.
- Repeating patterns of behaviors: This could be a movement, such as flapping hands or rocking, or it could be focusing on a routine. They may also have an unusual attachment to certain objects.
- Sensitivity to sensory input: The child may not want to be touched.
Why Was Aspergers Left Out Of Dsm
Rather than continuing to view Aspergers syndrome as a separate category, experts decided that with the publication of the DSM-5, autism should be considered a spectrum disorder. This distinction recognised the similarities between the causes and symptoms of autism, regardless of its severity. The different levels, therefore, were established to distinguish between presentations of varying severity.
This conception of autism was not entirely new. From its initial inclusion in the DSM-IV, some researchers were concerned about the Aspergers diagnosis, as they felt it was simply a variation of autism.1
Also Check: Pivotal Response Training Definition
How Are Asd Levels Determined
While its difficult to determine a persons ASD level, trained psychologists have some tools that can help them accomplish this, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition . This assessment is typically paired with a thorough developmental history.
ASD can be diagnosed as early as 18 months . However, many children, and even some adults, may not be diagnosed until much later.
Being diagnosed at a later age can make support more difficult. If you or your childs pediatrician think they may be autistic, consider making an appointment with an ASD specialist. Learn more about testing for ASD.
A Closer Look On Level 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder
There are three official levels of severity for people with ASD from the DSM-V. This is used to describe the level of severity in two areas of functioning for people with ASD: social skills or communication and restrictive or repetitive behaviours. These levels also indicate how much support a person with autism needs to function in daily life.
The NDIS is committed to helping people with a permanent and significant disability that impacts their daily lives. People with Level 2 autism means that they require significant support so they can function through life as normally as possible. Because of this, the NDIS automatically qualified those with Level 2 ASD to receive much-needed support if they sign up to be an NDIS Participant.
People with Level 2 Autism may find it difficult to navigate in social situations or to communicate and require extensive support to function in a social setting. They also display deficits in nonverbal communication like lack of eye contact, flat tone of voice, or lack of facial expressions.
They typically display limited and repetitive behaviours. They are also highly dependent on their routines and habits that can cause high levels of distress when changed or disturbed.
You May Like: Autism Visual Aid
What Role Do Genes Play
Twin and family studies strongly suggest that some people have a genetic predisposition to autism. Identical twin studies show that if one twin is affected, then the other will be affected between 36 to 95 percent of the time. There are a number of studies in progress to determine the specific genetic factors associated with the development of ASD. In families with one child with ASD, the risk of having a second child with the disorder also increases. Many of the genes found to be associated with autism are involved in the function of the chemical connections between brain neurons . Researchers are looking for clues about which genes contribute to increased susceptibility. In some cases, parents and other relatives of a child with ASD show mild impairments in social communication skills or engage in repetitive behaviors. Evidence also suggests that emotional disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia occur more frequently than average in the families of people with ASD.
By Aaron Kandola, Reviewed by Karen Gill, MD
Autism is a spectrum disorder that causes social and behavioral problems. There are three different levels of autism, which range from mild to severe.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , about one in 59 children have autism. Signs of the condition are usually present at a young age, but occasionally people do not receive a diagnosis until adulthood.
Level : Requires Support
Level 1 ASD is the mildest, or the most “high-functioning,” form of autism. Children with level 1 ASD have a hard time communicating appropriately with others. For example, they may not say the right thing at the right time or be able to read social cues and body language.
A person with ASD level 1 usually is able to speak in full sentences and communicate, but has trouble engaging in back-and-forth conversation with others. They may try to make friends, but not be very successful.
They may also have trouble moving from one activity to another or trying new things. Additionally, they may have problems with organization and planning, which may prevent them from being as independent as other people their age.
Recommended Reading: Life Expectancy Of People With Autism