Conditions

Overview

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a complex neurobehavioral condition that in most cases results in a lifelong developmental disability.  This implies that people with Autism exhibit impairments in communication, social functioning, and behavior. The disorder appears to have its roots from the early development of the brain. Visible signs of the disease exhibits between the age of two and three years. Both children and adults having autism will exhibit similar symptoms as stated above.

Causes of Autism

Autism is a genetic disorder known to run in families. Research shows that certain gene combinations may cause a child to have autism. Some factors may also increase the chances of giving birth to a child with autism.

For example, when a father or mother has advanced in age, there is a chance of having an autistic child. Another instance is when a pregnant woman gets exposed to some specific chemicals and drugs. Some of these include anti-seizure medications. Maternal metabolic problems such as obesity and diabetes as well as alcohol problems could also cause the child to be born with autism disorder.

Autism has also been known to link itself with untreated phenylketonuria and rubella. Some scholar works indicate that there are vaccinations that are cited to cause autism. Some research  further indicates that the disorder arises from abnormalities in parts of a brain that process language and interpret sensory input. Below are the different types of autism.

Types of Autism

Autistic Disorder

It is also called Classic Autism. Classic Autism what will come to mind when most people hear the word autism. Studies show that people who suffer this type of disorder show signs of significant language delays, unusual behaviors and interests, as well as social and communication challenges. Besides, these people also suffer intellectual disabilities.

Autistic disorder is among the most common and severe form of autism. When you suffer from the disease, you will experience sensory overload, perform repetitive or restricted behaviors, have problems when other people touch you, and difficulty in communication.

Asperger’s Syndrome

It is among the milder types of autism disorder. People suffering from this disorder may also suffer from the same symptoms that manifest in other types of autism, although they tend to be milder. Moreover, they have unusual interests and behaviors. The symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome being subtle, are therefore difficult to notice. Intellectual disability and language disorders do not affect people suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome.

Pervasive Development Disorder

The disorder is also called Atypical Autism. Pervasive development disorder is the diagnosis that is given for people who exhibit autism tendencies but do not meet the full criteria to be defined as autistic. Those who have this disorder experience mild symptoms. The affected will only suffer from communication and social challenges.

People having this disorder tend to be the highest functioning autistic types and therefore do not fit in any other category of autism spectrum disorders.

Conclusion

 From 1994 to 2013, Autism Spectrum Disorder r was a representation of five spectrum diagnoses according to the fourth version of the Diagnostic Manual. These autism types include Rett Syndrome, Child Disintegrative Syndrome, Asperger syndrome, Autistic Disorder, and Pervasive Development Disorder. It was unfortunate that even the practitioners used to find them confusing. Consequently, they could classify them as “high functioning autism,” “mild autism,” and “severe autism.” These terms were not accurate diagnoses, but descriptions. They were however intended to offer teachers and parents better understanding of a child’s status regarding the autism spectrum. Each practitioner used the terms based on how severe they thought the disease was in a certain individual.