Low-Functioning Autism: What You Need to Know

The symptoms of low-functioning autism can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include:

• Communication difficulties: Difficulty communicating verbally or nonverbally. This may include difficulty understanding and using language, difficulty making eye contact, and difficulty expressing emotions.
• Social interaction difficulties: Difficulty understanding social cues and interacting with others. This may include difficulty making friends, difficulty understanding social norms, and difficulty playing with others.
• Behavioral problems: Aggressive behavior, self-injury, or elopement.
• Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors: Intense interest in a specific topic or activity, and repetitive behaviors such as lining up objects or rocking back and forth.
• Sensory sensitivities: Sensitivity to certain sounds, smells, tastes, textures, or lights.

Diagnosis of Low-Functioning Autism:

There is no single test for diagnosing ASD. Instead, doctors will use a combination of factors to make a diagnosis, including:

• A medical history: The doctor will ask about the child’s development and any concerns that the parents or caregivers have.
• A physical exam: The doctor will check the child’s overall health and development.
• Developmental assessments: These assessments will measure the child’s language, communication, social skills, and cognitive abilities.
• Behavioral observations: The doctor will observe the child’s behavior in a variety of settings.

Treatment for Low-Functioning Autism:

There is no cure for ASD, but there are treatments that can help improve the symptoms. Treatment may include:

• Early intervention: Early intervention is the most effective way to help children with ASD. Early intervention programs can help children develop their communication, social, and behavioral skills.
• Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy can help children learn new skills and change their behavior.
• Speech therapy: Speech therapy can help children improve their communication skills.
• Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help children develop their motor skills and learn how to cope with sensory sensitivities.
• Medication: Medication may be used to treat some of the symptoms of ASD, such as aggression or self-injury.