Disorders On The Autism Spectrum

July 25, 2021

Disorders On The Autism Spectrum 

Autism spectrum disorders include various forms of social communication and behavioral challenges. These problems can range from mild to severe and just about anywhere in between. The level of support needed is based on the diagnosis. These are the different disorders on the autism spectrum. 

What Are Considered Disorders On The Autism Spectrum? 

In 2013, a new umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder was put into place in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5). A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) now includes several conditions that before 2013, used to be treated and diagnosed separately. This includes:

• Autistic disorder: This is a much older term than Asperger's and PDD-NOS and includes the same types of symptoms, however, at a much more intense level. Symptoms of autistic disorder include pragmatic language, lack of eye contact as well as nonverbal communication, and repetitive and ritualistic behavior. You can learn more about the symptoms of autism here. 
• Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD-NOS): This disorder is oftentimes more severe than Asperger's syndrome, but not as severe as autistic disorder. 
• Asperger syndrome: An individual with Asperger's may be incredibly intelligent, such as Elon Musk, and go about their daily life just as any "normal" person would. Asperger's is on the milder end of the autism spectrum and those who have it can be extremely focused on the topics that are of interest to them and be insistent on talking about them nonstop. For this reason, they may have a harder time socially.

Less Common Disorders On The Autism Spectrum 

Childhood disintegrative disorder is the least common of the autism spectrum disorders although it is the most severe. This disorder describes children who oftentimes develop normally by societal standards and then rather quickly, lose many language, mental, and social skills between the ages of 2 to 4. More likely than not, these children also develop a seizure disorder. 

Rett Syndrome

This is a very rare (typically less than 1,000 cases per year) genetic mutation affecting brain development in girls. Children with Rett syndrome usually have behaviors similar to autism and for this reason, it used to be grouped under the same umbrella as various autism spectrum disorders. It is no longer considered an ASD (autism spectrum disorder) but rather a genetic mutation. There is currently no cure for Rett syndrome but physical and speech therapy, as well as nutritional support and various medications help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. 

How To Get An Autism Diagnosis 

Reveal is the world's first online autism test for adults and for children that is powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and has questions formulated by licensed therapists. Unlike other online autism tests Reveal provides you with a percentage-based diagnosis and then recommends with machine learning and your unique test score, the most appropriate next steps to take. Discover your unique diagnosis with Reveal here. 

 

Disorders On The Autism Spectrum Summary 

Autism, otherwise known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, lack of eye contact, repetitive behaviors, as well as nonverbal communication. 2021 studies show that autism affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the United States today. In other words, over 2% of all United States born children today are affected by autism. 

Disorders Considered On The Autism Spectrum Include 

• Autistic disorder: This is a much older term than Asperger's and PDD-NOS and includes the same types of symptoms, however, at a much more intense level.  
• Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD-NOS): This disorder is oftentimes more severe than Asperger's syndrome, but not as severe as autistic disorder. 
• Asperger syndrome: Asperger's is on the milder end of the autism spectrum and those who have it can be extremely focused on the topics that are of interest to them and be insistent on talking about them nonstop. For this reason, they may have a harder time socially.

Supplements For Autism Spectrum Disorders 

Spectrum + is advanced autism spectrum disorder support designed to provide and support the nutrition shown to be deficient in both children and adults with autism. Studies show that the combination of natural vitamins and minerals present in Spectrum + help in healthy neurological development as well as immune and nervous system function. You can shop Spectrum + autism spectrum disorder support supplement here. 

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