1. Know About Autism
Autism is the best known of the five levels on the autistic disorders spectrum. With autism, a child is typically intensely attached to an established routine and is non-communicative. If the routine is disrupted, the child becomes agitated or upset. Further, autistic children have significant delays in language development and may not speak at all in severe cases. They do not enjoy socializing, and many of them cannot stand to be touched. While these are the main signs of autism, some lesser-known signs include a sensitivity to loud noises, poor motor skills, engaging in self-stimulating behaviors (such as slapping or rocking) and being obsessive about one particular subject or activity.
2. Understand Asperger's Syndrome
Children with Asperger's syndrome are sometimes referred to as high-functioning autistics, but there are some significant differences in the two conditions. Asperger's patients usually have no delays in the development of language skills and are able to interact with others (though they may do so awkwardly). Most patients are highly intelligent and do well in academic subject areas in school. However, they lack the ability to process social information, such as tone of voice, body language and sense of humor, which makes them stand out as odd or different among their peers.
3. Know About Rett's Disorder
Rett's Disorder is classified as an autism disorder because it includes symptoms similar to autism. Self-stimulating behaviors, avoidance of social contact and a reliance on routine are typical features of Rett's. However, physical symptoms are also present in Rett's that are not seen in pure autism. Small hands and feet, large heads and persistent hand-wringing are common. Many Rett's patients never speak or walk, and the majority of them have seizures. Further, almost all Rett's patients are females, as male fetuses with this disorder rarely make it to term.
4. Find out About Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Childhood disintegrative disorder occurs when a child that has developed normally to the age of at least 2 years suddenly begins to regress in development. The child begins to lose language, social skills and personal-care skills that were previously learned, often without warning and with no explanation. Afterward, the child exhibits typical symptoms of autism and is treated as such. The main difference between this disorder and autism is that autistic children usually begin displaying symptoms in infancy, while childhood disintegrative disorder may not appear until a child is a toddler.
5. Find out About PDD-NOS
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) is a developmental disorder that cannot be classified under any of the other autism headings. A child with PDD-NOS may have some symptoms of an autism disorder and not others, or she may have a few symptoms of each of the disorders in the spectrum. The symptoms a child exhibits are usually milder than they would be if the child had all of the symptoms of one of the autistic disorders.
