What is autism?
A complicated developmental illness, autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has an impact on a person’s behavior, interactions, communication, and learning. Different brain functions in people with ASD might affect how they behave and interact with others.
Autism is a lifelong condition that manifests before the age of three. Since it’s a spectrum condition, people are affected differently and to differing degrees.
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Individuals with autism may struggle with:
Interaction. For someone with autism, communicating and comprehending the feelings and thoughts of others may be challenging. Because of this, they find it difficult to communicate verbally as well as through touch, gestures, and facial expressions.
Studying. Learning issues, such as unequal skill development, can accompany autism. For instance, a person with autism may struggle to communicate yet excel at art, music, arithmetic, or memory-related tasks. As a result, individuals may perform particularly well on analytical or problem-solving assessments.
Changes. Changes and shifts in everyday routines can be difficult for people with autism.
stimulation of the senses. Additionally, they differ in how they respond to various stimuli, including as temperature, sound, lighting, and clothing. Another typical indication of ASD is intense, excessively concentrated attention in subjects or behaviors.
Autism is being diagnosed in more children than ever before. However, rather than more children having the illness, the most recent figures may be higher due to changes in diagnosis and more awareness. Researchers are learning more about the connection between biological, environmental, and genetic variables and ASD.
Even if they have had autism from early childhood, some people are diagnosed with the disorder as adults. When autistic symptoms aren’t severe enough to interfere with day-to-day functioning, this can occur.
Children with ASD benefit from early intervention, which may also make daily living simpler for them as adults.
Functioning Labels for Autism
Each person with autism is affected differently. The labels “high-functioning” and “low-functioning” are occasionally used to characterize autism. However, these designations may be objectionable.
Despite the fact that these labels are not medical words, people nonetheless frequently use them informally to characterize autism.
Low-functioning autism: what is it?
An intellectual deficit is seen in around 30% of individuals with autism. This indicates that they occasionally cannot live alone and may require assistance with daily duties. This is often referred to as “low-functioning autism.”
High-functioning autism: what is it?
Autism may be present in other persons with less evident symptoms. They have less communication issues and frequently perform well academically. This is commonly referred to as “high-functioning autism” or, in the past, Asperger syndrome.
Three ASD severity categories were added by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to the DSM-5, which is a guide used by medical practitioners to identify mental illnesses. Based on their actions and social communication requirements, these levels indicate the degree of help that an individual with autism requires:
Level 1: Mild, in need of assistance
Level 2: Moderate, needing significant (or significant) assistance
Level 3: Extreme, needing significant assistance
When discussing the impact of autism, you might use phrases like “more significant” or “less significant.” Even better, find out from an autistic person or their caregiver how they would want to characterize their condition.
Symptoms of Autism
Autism symptoms typically start to show before a kid turns three. Some exhibit symptoms from birth.
Indications of autism
Absence of eye contact
A limited variety of interests or a strong passion for particular subjects
Repeating words or phrases, rocking back and forth, or fussing with things (such switching a light switch) are examples of repetitive behaviors.
Extremely sensitive to things that other people would consider normal, such as noises, touching, scents, or sights
ignoring or not paying attention to other individuals
ignoring things when someone else calls your attention to them
Reluctant to be hugged or held
Issues with speaking, gestures, facial expressions, or voice intonation
Speaking in a robotic, flat, or sing-song voice
Having difficulty adjusting to regular adjustments
Seizures can also occur in certain individuals with autism. Adolescence may be the time when these begin.
Symptoms of autism in adults
Adults with autism may exhibit some symptoms. Typical signs and symptoms may include:
Having trouble figuring out what other people are feeling or thinking
Making the decision to live alone or struggling to make friends
Fear of social situations
Maintaining a regular schedule and being agitated if it varies
Finding it difficult to communicate your feelings
Ignoring sarcasm or taking things literally
Giving the impression of being direct, indifferent, or impolite to others without intending to
Adults with autism may also exhibit the following symptoms:
Not making eye contact
Lack of awareness of social signals or “rules”
Getting too near to others or becoming angry if they touch you or get too close
Having a strong interest in some things
recognizing patterns, noises, scents, or minute nuances that others miss
Desiring to meticulously prepare things before executing them
Symptoms of autism in youngsters
Autism in children can manifest in a variety of ways. They might consist of:
By nine months old, they are not responding to their name.
Nine months old and incapable of displaying facial expressions
By the age of twelve months, they no longer wish to play basic games like pat-a-cake.
By the time they are 12 months old, they are not using motions like saying hi.
is 24 months old and unable to comprehend when others are upset or depressed.
is 36 months old and doesn’t notice or desire to play with other kids.
doesn’t act, dance, or sing for you by the age of sixty months
arranges toys in a particular arrangement and becomes agitated if it is altered.
demonstrates compulsive interests
spins in circles, flaps their hands, or rocks their body.
delayed cognitive, linguistic, motor, or learning abilities
Strange eating or sleeping patterns
More or less dread about things than one would often anticipate