What is autism spectrum disorder? It is a group of emotional, mental, or physical conditions in which a child has difficulty functioning in social situations, exhibits repetitive behaviors, or seems to be fixated with or focused on certain interests. The term, spectrum, refers to a diverse mixture of behaviors or mindsets within autism. An early intervention program in Westchester, NY helps detect early signs of autism in children as young as two years of age.
Four Types of Autism Diagnoses
Since the spectrum is diverse, it can be difficult to diagnose autism or what form of autism a child experiences. Some children may have challenges socially while exhibiting above-average intelligence. Others may have difficulty functioning due to physical impairments. What is autism spectrum disorder? Let’s take a closer look below.
Within the autism spectrum disorder umbrella, there are four types of autism as classified by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) including:
1. Autistic Disorder
At the core of autism is autistic disorder, a neurological and developmental disorder that parents or treatment professionals identify within the first three years of a child’s life. A child may appear to live in their own world, demonstrating little to no interest in others or what is around them. Children often repeat a routine or specific behaviors. They may also have problems with communication or eye contact.
2. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Also known as Heller’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder is a rare pervasive developmental disorder in which a child exhibits problems with their language, motor skills, or social function. It is a low-functioning type of autistic spectrum disorder. The main difference is that children with CDD show a more dramatic loss of various skills when compared to children with autism.
3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Like other forms of autism, PDD-NOS signifies intellectual, social, and language challenges that a child may encounter. However, a treatment specialist may assign the condition as PDD-NOS because the child does not exhibit all the classic symptoms of autism. Therefore, both diagnosis and treatment is specialized according to the child’s condition in which the symptom criteria do not fall into a certain category. Because the Signs of Autism can vary between individuals
4. Asperger Syndrome
Asperger syndrome was diagnosed as a separate condition from autism. However, as of 2013 Asperger syndrome was brought under the umbrella of the autism spectrum. A child with the condition may demonstrate a remarkable focus, persistence, attention to detail, and pattern recognition. However, they may also be hypersensitivity, holding a conversation, clumsiness, anxiety, depression, and understanding non-verbal cues.
A targeted intervention program in Westchester, NY focuses on functional and social activities. Targeted intervention programs show improvement in language, cognitive, and social skills. At a targeted intervention program in Westchester, NY, your child will learn to interact in socially meaningful ways. These autism interventions are designed to encourage efforts by children to engage with others.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment Programs
Autism spectrum disorder treatment programs in Westchester, NY provides comprehensive evidence-based ABA autism spectrum disorder treatment. Autism spectrum disorder treatment programs include:
- parental services program
- social skills work program
Therapists use several tools and scales to assess the child’s behavior or state of mind. Some of the symptoms of autism include:
- Inability to communicate across multiple contexts
- Repetitive behavioral patterns or activities
- Inappropriate social interaction
- Mental disorders such as anxiety or depression
- Cognitive or intellectual impairment
- Challenges with movement or coordination
A child with autism may exhibit some or all of these symptoms depending on their condition. This is why many of these disorders fall under the autism spectrum. For parents and treatment professionals. Identifying the right condition is paramount to providing the right treatment.
Some autism symptoms may not manifest until later in a child’s development. Consequently, a child that demonstrates problems in one area of the spectrum may shift to another area in the spectrum as they grow older. Therapists need to be able to adjust their treatment accordingly.
Find Out More About Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is autism spectrum disorder? Find out more by speaking with a therapist at a targeted intervention program. A treatment center can help you and your child discover new possibilities for development and growth. 
