Help for Parents of Autistic Children by Guest Writer Marie Miquel

It used to just be called autism but now it is referred to as a group of disorders called Autism Spectrum Disorders, or ASD. This is a brain disorder that causes communication and social issues including the lack of certain skills such as interactions, communicating, and proper behavior. Those with autism have trouble understanding and responding to social cues and may also have repetitive actions or behaviors that can cause your child to stand out from the others. According to the National Autism Association (NAA), one in 68 children have autism and boys are four times as susceptible than girls. Most children with autism are diagnosed by the time they are three years old but some children with autism are first diagnosed when they start preschool or kindergarten when the teacher notices that the child has trouble communicating and interacting with others. 

Some of the most common signs of autism include:

·         Inability to express their needs with words (many do not speak at all)

·         Lines up toys, shoes, food, etc.

·         Does not respond to verbal cues

·         Underdeveloped or undeveloped motor skills

·         Lack of emotion

·         Lack of fear to dangerous situations

·         Obsessing over certain objects or places

·         Extremely sensitive to pain or not feeling pain

·         Playing alone rather than with others

·         Does not respond when spoken to

·         Refusing eye contact

·         Does not like to be hugged or touched

·         Temper tantrums

·         Crying or laughing for no reason

·         Repeating certain words or phrases

·         Pointing or gesturing rather than talking

·         Does not handle change well

Different Types of Autism Spectrum Disorder

All children are different and as stated above, there are different levels of autism so some kids are not going to have all of the symptoms and some may have even more than what is listed here. No two children are alike, of course, so you cannot try to diagnose your own child by comparing them to any list. Your doctor has to diagnose your child for it to be official and the sooner you do that, the better off you will all be. So, what are the different types of autism? 

Here they are, according to the Autism Society of America:

Classic Autism

Those with classic autism have serious delays in language, communication, and social skills and may also develop abnormal behaviors. They may also have some level of intellectual disability. 

Asperger’s Syndrome

Children with Asperger’s have similar signs as classic autism but on a much milder level. They usually have social and behavioral issues but have normal or higher than normal intellect and communication skills. 

Atypical Autism

This condition is usually reserved for those children who fall between the classic autism and Asperger’s syndrome criteria. Their symptoms are milder than those with classic autism but more severe than those with typical Asperger’s syndrome. 

The Cause of Autism

Of course, nobody really knows what causes autism but there are plenty of theories floating around. Some believe it has to do with immunizations while others say it is from some type of harmful medication taken during pregnancy. However, most experts theorize that it is a genetic disorder and that those who have a parent or sibling with some type of autism are much more likely to develop the disorder. 

Online Therapy

Treating autism depends on which type your child has and how severe it is but most children are helped considerably through talk therapy. The most convenient way to get your child to communicate with a therapist is through online therapy. We all know that those with autism are resistant to strangers so online therapy is a big help.

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.