Autistic Spectrum Disorder or ASD occurs on a scale. Its symptoms extend from mild to severe. Indications of autism affect a person’s thinking, socialization, communication, and behavior. Care administered to persons with autism intends to equip them with essential life skills to function effectively. Autism spectrum disorder is classified so that experts can determine the suitable treatment for every condition. Symptoms can vary according to classification. Types of autism were Asperger’s syndrome, PDD-NOS, and classic autistic disorder. Note that the latest manual for psychological disorders does not use these terms anymore and use autism levels one to three instead.
Types of Autism
The mentioned types of autism used to be disorders on their own but are now under the umbrella term Autistic Spectrum Disorder or ASD. Based on the level of support, the individual needs autism diagnosis in levels 1, 2, or 3. These levels are not stages of autism. Level 1 in autism means that the person only needs some degree of assistance, while individuals with level 3 need the most help and have severe symptoms. These levels indicate one’s capacity to communicate, adapt, and handle day-to-day tasks. Whether a child has level one or three, they still need proper care for their symptoms. If you suspect your child of autism symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. Early care leads to the best outcomes.
Stages of Autism
There is no such thing as stages of autism. Instead, children with this condition are only different from other kids in terms of skill development. Typically, cognitive and motor skills develop at the same time at a slower rate. For kids with autism, one of these skills may develop faster than the other. Generally, people with autism suffer from poor social skills compared to other kids their age.
This article explains the levels or types of autism.
1. Level 1
People with level one autism need minimal support, especially for troubles in social situations. These social problems include difficulty in starting discussions and responding far from what is anticipated. Persons with level 1 autism find it hard to sustain their interest with a chat. It brings about the difficulty of keeping friendships and other relations. Persons with level 1 autism also face problems in changing activities as well as the environment. They require assistance in planning, along with organizing. Level 1 autism is sometimes called high-functioning or mild autism.
2. Level 2
Compared to persons with mild autism, people with level 2 autism demand further support. Persons who meet this criterion have trouble with socializing, too. An individual faces trouble with holding logical conversations. They are also more prone to responding in unreasonable or inappropriate ways.
Persons with level 2 autism talk in a few words and talks about very particular subjects. They also find it hard to comprehend nonverbal cues like facial gestures because they don’t use it. For instance, while speaking to somebody, they tend to tilt their body or face from the person’s direction. Since individuals with level 2 autism have impaired ability to adapt to change, day-to-day tasks are burdensome. Extreme stress may occur to them when handling change.
3. Level 3
Individuals with level 3 autism demand the greatest assistance among the autism levels. Comprehending and making use of words and actions are tremendously hard for them. Persons with level 3 stay away from social interactions. Playing games that require imagination is almost impossible for kids with level 3. They have limited fascination for other people or peers. Because of these, it may be hard establishing friendships. Routines, where they are accustomed to, are difficult to change.
Individuals with level 3 may engage with repeated actions that can impact their function negatively. When circumstances demand them to shift their attention, they face extreme stress.
In case you are curious about the outdated terms, Asperger’s syndrome is linked with level 1 autism, where individuals can be high functioning. PDD-NOS can be described as level 2 autism, where people need extra assistance compared to level 1. Autistic disorder is the same as level 3 autism, where an individual demands immense support, and their symptoms are more serious.
