Autism is a severe developmental disorder that severely affects a patient’s life, especially in kids and adults. This disorder causes behavioral changes in the patient and has many physical effects.
There are Different Types of Autism, and we will discuss them in detail in this article. We also have shared the possible treatments for ASD. So to get maximum information about ASD and its types, keep reading.
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a condition mostly preferred to be a developmental disorder. And this disease is linked to genetics. This means ASD is caused by some genetic markup changes during the pregnancy or the developmental stage.
This disease commonly starts appearing at a very young age. There are Different Forms of Autism, and each has its specifications and treatments. It affects the social behavior, communication skills, interests, skills, and intelligence of patients,
Types of ASD
Autism Spectrum Disorders are divided into different types. This division helps with treating the patients better. Each division of ASD is based on its effects on the patients, how common it is, and possible risks.
We have discussed each of these Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders in detail below.
Asperger Syndrome
Asperger syndrome is the ASD type which mostly affects the social behavior of the patients. This Autism type can have severe symptoms or mild symptoms in the patients. Some of the symptoms or effects of Asperger syndrome on patients are listed below:
- Difficult in responding to social cues
- Uncomfortable around strangers
- Not interested in making friends or being in relationships.
- Difficulty while expressing emotions
- Stick to their routine
Childhood Disintegrated Disorder
Childhood disintegrated disorder CDD is also known as Heller’s syndrome. It is one of the rare ASD types. It usually starts affecting the patient below age 3 and showing symptoms. Some of the signs and effects of CDD are listed below;
- The patient with CDD Autism type lost his previously acquired skills.
- The patient might also forget how to walk, run, or use their hands.
- The ability to speak and understand others gets difficult for the patient.
- The patient cannot control his bladder and bowel activity.
High-Functioning Autism
The high-functioning Autism is also a very common autism type. This type affects the patient’s social behavior, and the patient mostly has no interest in meeting new people. However, HFA patients have a very good memory and are generally more intelligent than average. Some other characteristics of HFA are:
- Uncomfortable in social gatherings
- Difficulty in starting a communication
- Very restricted interests
- Anxiety and depression
- High intelligence and picture memory
Pervasive Development Disorder not Otherwise Specified
Pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified is a complicated Autism type. In this condition, the symptoms of Autism are very mild. It is one of the common Types of Autism in Adults and mostly affects the language and communication skills of the patient. The common effects of PDD-NOS are listed below:
- The patient is very awkward in public gatherings.
- Difficulty making eye contact and is mostly shy around people.
- Kids struggle with learning the language and vocabulary.
- Repetitive behavior and activities.
Rett Syndrome
Rett syndrome is also a rare autism type. This is one of the most common Types of Autism in Women. There are no specific male cases of this condition; however, women are mostly affected by this autism type. The signs and effects of Rett syndrome are discussed below.
- Very shy personality and is uncomfortable socially.
- Patients struggle with the proper use of their hands.
- The development and growth are very slow.
- Rett syndrome patients might also have breathing problems
- Patient struggles with learning the language and new skills.
Treatments for Autism
There is no 100% cure for ASD, either with medicines or any other technique. But some treatment techniques help reduce the effect of this disorder. These techniques depend on the type of ASD the patient has.
We have shared different treatments for Autism that help with the condition a lot.
Therapy Treatment
Most Types of Autism in Children are treated with therapy treatment. There are many therapy treatments that help with a certain effect of Autism on the patient. You can also do these therapies by yourself at home.
Some of the common therapy treatments for ASD patients are listed below:
- Behavior Analysis
- Early Intervention
- Speech & Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Joint Attention Therapy
Medical Treatment
Studies show that ASD is a genetic development disorder, and medication doesn’t help treat this disease. However, according to many doctors and ASD specialists, medicines like antidepressants and mood enhancers are helpful for autistic people.
We have shared a few of the commonly used ASD medicines below but make sure to ask your doctor before using any of these medicines.
- Dexedrine
- Risperdal
- Depakote
- Tegretol
- SSRIs & SNRIs
Ayurvedic Treatment
Medications are helpful to enhance mood and help with depression and stress. But some people are uncomfortable with using the brand name pills. For them, Ayurvedic medicines are available to assist with ASD treatment.
Different Types of Autism react differently to Ayurvedic medicine. So you must ask your doctor before using or giving these Ayurvedic herbs and medicines to other ASD patients.
Exercise Treatment
Autism Spectrum Disorders have a very severe effect on the physical health of patients, especially kids. In some cases, autistic kids cannot walk properly and mostly sit or lie around.
However, it is very important to keep the ASD patient active. And for that, we have shared a list of exercises patients can do. Parents should help their kids with these activities and be around them the whole time.
- Yoga
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Dancing
- Walking
Bottom Line
Autism can have very severe and long-lasting effects on patients. So we believe that the parents and the people around an ASD patient should be aware of this condition and its treatments.
The Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders shared in this article will help diagnose the exact problem you or your kid is facing. And then, you can get the treatment according to the type of diagnosis.