The Different Types of Autism in Children and Adults

Did you know that 1 in 44 8-year-old children have been diagnosed with autism?

Even though autism is relatively common, it’s also commonly misunderstood. Many people don’t know the signs of autism in both children and adults. When they encounter someone with autism, they don’t recognize it.

Are you looking to recognize the types of autism? Keep reading to learn more.

Types of Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects both children and adults. It usually involves symptoms that include unusual social behaviors, problems with social interactions, and certain interests.

If someone is “on the spectrum,” it means that they have some degree of autism. This essentially means that an autistic person’s symptoms can range anywhere from practically unnoticeable to severe.

There are four different types of autism: autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified, and Asperger syndrome.

Signs of Children With Autism

Early signs of autism vary from child to child. Because there is a spectrum, there is no universal way to tell that a child has autism.

However, children with autism may have difficulty maintaining eye contact (or they may not make eye contact at all). Additionally, they may have facial expressions that do not match the situation.

Children with autism may appear disconnected from reality. When someone tries to point an object out to them, they may ignore the object as if they do not notice.

Autism in children may also present itself as a lack of empathy. This may lead to autistic children having problems with making friends and interacting with the friends they do have.

Signs of Adults With Autism

In general, diagnosing autism in adults is more difficult. Even so, many of the signs are similar.

For example, adults with autism often have difficulty interpreting social cues. They may not read facial expressions or tone of voice correctly. They may also have difficulty understanding sarcasm or non-literal language.

Autistic adults often appreciate order and routine. When that routine is interrupted (such as in the context of a social gathering), autistic adults may become anxious and retreat from the social situation.

Sometimes adults with autism are more attentive to detail. But they may also have difficulty with common “rules” of language (like not interrupting, for example). Like children, they may struggle with feeling empathy.

Living With Autism

Those with severe autism have different needs than those with mild autism. For this reason, living with autism looks different depending on who you are.

But if you or your child are having difficulty living with autism, you may benefit from ABA therapy.

What is ABA therapy? It’s therapy that helps both children and adults with autism learn to navigate the world around them in a healthy and productive way. It can make living with autism easier and more enjoyable.

Don’t Be Afraid to Do More Research

If you think you or a loved one might have one of the types of autism, read more about the subject. Look into ABA therapy.

Talk to someone you trust. Understanding autism can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin.

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