Table of Contents
What is Autism?
What Are the 5 Types of Autism?
When most people think of autism, they picture the “rain man” stereotype—the person who is really smart about numbers and music, but is unable to communicate or connect with others. In reality, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad term that encompasses a range of people with varying degrees of social and cognitive difficulties. The diagnosis can look different depending on the person, but there are five main types of autism that are characterized by specific behaviors. Here’s what you need to know about each type:
1. Autistic Disorder
2. Asperger’s Syndrome
3. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
4. Rett Syndrome
5. Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
How Prevalent Is Autism?
Autism affects 1 in 68 children, which means that about 1.2 million Americans have it. Autism rates have increased over time, but experts aren’t certain why. The reasons for this increase may include:
- A true increase in the number of people with autism
- An increase in awareness of autism and its diagnosis
- Changes in the way doctors diagnose autism (such as broadening the definition to include Asperger’s syndrome)
- Changes in how researchers collect data on autism
Autism can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger by observing a child’s behavior. However, many children don’t receive an official diagnosis until they’re 4 to 6 years old. Parents who are concerned about their child’s development should talk to their pediatrician.
What is the Autism Spectrum?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that affects communication and behavior. A person with ASD might:
Have difficulties with social interactions
Have trouble with verbal and nonverbal communication, including gestures like pointing or waving
Struggle with eye contact
Repeat certain behaviors and have narrow interests, such as a fascination with trains or spinning objects
Be oversensitive to touch, light, taste, or soundsThe symptoms of ASD tend to be observed before the age of two. Although some children show signs of ASD by 12 months old, many people aren’t diagnosed until after age four. The diagnosis might not come until adulthood, especially if the person has mild ASD. Some adults may be misdiagnosed as having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or depression.
Symptoms of Autism
Symptoms of autism spectrum disorders can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. There are three main categories of symptoms: problems with social interaction; problems with communication; repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. In some cases, these symptoms can make it difficult for a person to function in everyday life.
Children with autism spectrum disorder may be overly sensitive or under sensitive in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste. They may also have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel.
Other signs that require evaluation by a doctor include:
- Persistent loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills
- Fixation on certain objects or topics
- Uneven cognitive abilities (some strengths and weaknesses)
- Repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping or rocking back and forth
- Difficulty adapting to changes in routine
- Unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel
The Cause of Autism
The cause of Autism is something that is not well understood and has been in debate for decades. There are many theories, but not conclusive evidence to prove any of them. Some theories point the finger at vaccinations, some point to genetic factors, and others look at environmental factors. Regardless of what the actual cause is, parents can help their autistic children improve their quality of life by getting a proper diagnosis early on and interacting with them on a daily basis.
What are the Treatments for Autism
Treatment options include:
Behavioral therapy. A therapist teaches skills by breaking them down into small steps. The therapist gives positive reinforcement when the child successfully completes each step. This can help children develop social skills, communicate better and learn appropriate behavior.
Speech therapy. Speech therapists can teach children how to communicate more effectively by speaking or using sign language.
Physical therapy. Because some children with autism have motor skill delays, physical therapists help them improve their balance, coordination and strength through exercises and play activities.
Occupational therapy. Occupational therapists work with children with autism who have sensory problems or difficulty with fine motor skills such as using scissors or tying shoes. They can often help increase a child’s independence in everyday tasks by offering techniques to deal with sensory issues or developing motor skills through play-like activities.
Is there an Autism clinical trials?
Yes, there are a number of autism clinical trials that address various aspects of autism, including symptoms of autism and associated issues. This page will help you learn about the basics of clinical trials, as well as more about what to expect in an autism clinical trial.
The first important thing to note is that each trial has its own eligibility requirements. Eligibility requirements include both criteria that must be met, such as age and gender, and requirements that can be flexible, such as intellectual ability. It is also important to remember that eligibility requirements are based on the purpose of the study. For example, a study that is looking at how autism affects adults may have age-related eligibility requirements.
Clinical trials are conducted by researchers who work to find new treatments or methods for treating the symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Clinical trials allow researchers to study if a treatment works for people with ASD before it becomes available on the market. A key part of this process is determining if the treatment is safe and effective. The goal of clinical trials is to provide new therapies or approaches that can help people with ASD and their families.