1. Understand Mild Autism
Children with autism can be classified as having mild, moderate or severe versions of this disabling condition, as categorized by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Mildly autistic children can usually be expected to lead relatively normal lives. They can interact with their peers (though they may have difficulty doing so), they often have a high degree of intelligence, and they can engage in normal day-to-day activities without too much assistance. They may have no significant delays in their language and motor skills. Children with mild autism are often referred to as "high functioning." Asperger's Syndrome is considered by many health care professionals to be a high-functioning form of autism, though other professionals believe it to be a different sort of disorder entirely.
2. Know the Definition of a Moderately Autistic Child
Children who have a moderate rating on the scale will need a fair amount of assistance in life, especially after they become adults. They will not be able to interact easily with others, and they will retreat into their own worlds unless strongly prompted to pay attention to a parent or teacher. The moderately autistic child will most likely need reminders to attend to such things as hygiene and may not perform well academically. In many cases, these children have language development that is significantly delayed and may have poor motor skills. These children are often mildly retarded and may have obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
3. Understand What it Means to Be Severely Autistic
Severely autistic children are rarely able to live on their own, usually requiring extensive care throughout their lives. They are unable to interact with others and often go to live in group homes as adults, where trained professionals are on hand to care for them around the clock. Their language development may not occur at all, or be very late, and they will be awkward with their movements. Severe autistics are often referred to as "low functioning."
