Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) covers a wide range of developmental challenges and symptoms. Often it takes time to get a diagnosis of autism, and the process can feel overwhelming for the family because it cannot simply be diagnosed with a blood test. Because of its complexity, it can be hard to understand the different types of autism and how they affect the strengths and challenges of a child as they grow and develop.
At EMIT, we want to support the families of children with autism. To that end, we offer convenient telehealth therapy programs for children with autism ages between the ages of 1.5 to 18 across New Jersey. Learn more about our treatment programs by calling us today at 844.983.0240.
What Are the Types of Autism?
Types of ASD are diagnosed in a series of three levels based on behavior analysis. Doctors, therapists, and caretakers observe and track a child’s behavior over time to determine an autism diagnosis. Behavioral analysis can pinpoint where a child falls on the autism spectrum while allowing family and clinicians to track growth and learning progress easily. Characteristics of each type of autism include the following:
- High function autism is the first level of autism and the least severe diagnosis. Those with high functioning autism symptoms may have difficulty with some communication, including following and understanding conversations. However, their overall symptoms are mild and may take longer to detect than other types of autism. This level of autism can include PDD and Aspergers Syndrome.
- The second level of autism requires more support in specific areas of a child’s life. These children may struggle with verbal and nonverbal communication and have difficulty with change. Level 2 may be easier to diagnose than high functioning autism because the symptoms are more pronounced.
- Level 3 presents challenges in every aspect of a child’s life. Children at level 3 might include autism conditions such as Rett syndrome or Kanner’s syndrome, both of which develop in infancy.
The severity and types of autism should dictate a child’s therapy and treatment course, allowing family and clinicians the best tools to support a child’s individual needs.
Therapies for Different Types of Autism
Because ASD symptoms cover such a broad range, there are many therapy options available to help individuals survive and grow with autism. Common treatments and therapies may include:
- Physical therapy: For children who face struggles with muscular development, physical therapy can provide safe and effective support incoordination, muscle memory, and building strength. At the same time, this therapy focuses on consistent practice for overall health, growth, and development.
- Life skills training: Also known as functional skills training, this practice focuses on safety, hygiene, and daily survival skills, helping children work towards independence in adulthood.
- Speech therapy: Speech therapy helps those who struggle with physical speech. It can also be a form of physical therapy to help develop and strengthen the neck and mouth muscles for more comfortable speech.
- PECS: The picture exchange communication system uses pictures to help nonverbal children communicate.
- ABA therapy: Applied behavioral analysis uses modeling and rewards good behavior. In this model of treatment, children learn by example through practice and repetition.
- Social skills therapy: At home, in therapy, and at school, caretakers engage children in verbal and nonverbal communication to improve skills and ease social anxieties.
Generally, no matter the autism diagnosis, children experience the broadest growth when engages with multiple types of autism therapy.
Contact EMIT for More Information
No two autism diagnoses are the same. At EMIT, we focus on holistic therapy and support for different types of autism to help each child grow into their strengths. Through in-home telehealth therapy, we provide families and children with autism structure and support from the comfort of home. Contact us online today or at 844.983.0240 if you’re ready to begin telehealth autism therapy for any type of autism.
