fbpx

Latest

Low-Functioning Autism: The Symptoms & What It Means

Photo of author
Author

Janice

Posted On

Autism exhibits in numerous diverse manners leading to a myriad of misunderstandings about the disorder. This article provides an understanding of the fundamental symptoms and aids in determining if an individual has the disorder.

Low-functioning autism is a condition that has symptoms and can be defined as having difficulty with social interaction, communication, and imagination. Read more in detail here: autism symptoms.

Low-Functioning-Autism-The-Symptoms-amp-What-It-Means

Your kid has autism, according to the doctor. You’re not alone if your first inquiry is about low-functioning autism. Many parents are interested in knowing where their children fall on the autism spectrum.

Experts do not use the phrase “low-functioning autism” as often as parents do. Some people believe that there are better ways to characterize autism. Others believe that using this phrase to acquire a clear picture of a child’s functional condition is too complex.

If your kid has difficulty with daily tasks and you consider the issues to be serious, you may be dealing with low-functioning autism. Therapy might be beneficial.

How many people have autism that isn’t fully functional?

There are three degrees of severity for autism spectrum disease (ASD). People with Level 3 autism need a lot of assistance with daily chores and have extremely weak communication skills. The prevalence of certain qualities may be determined by parsing data for those attributes.

According to Autism Speaks, one-third of persons with autism are nonverbal, and 31% of children with ASD also have an intellectual handicap. A youngster with an inability to talk or solve problems seems to have low-functioning autism at first impression. However, the truth is more complicated.

According to experts, those who seem to be almost neurotypical are often classified as high-functioning. People who are considered low-functioning, on the other hand, have impairments that are visible and audible. Each individual with autism spectrum condition has their own set of strengths and problems, which are sometimes location-dependent.

A kid with ASD could perform well in the following situations:

  • School. The youngster can do tasks on time, sit quietly all day, and avoid being bullied.
  • Church. A sermon may be sat silently by the youngster.
  • Cars. The youngster is comfortable riding in the backseat of a vehicle.

At home, though, the same youngster may have temper tantrums. The youngster becomes overwhelmed if an unexpected visitor approaches or if the routine is disrupted.

At school, a high-functioning autism evaluation could be appropriate. The word doesn’t quite suit at home.

IQ tests are often used by researchers to categorize children into high-functioning and low-functioning groups. Experts claim the findings are likewise arbitrary. Some children with autism are unable to finish traditional IQ testing, while others have difficulty following directions. They may be very brilliant, yet their intelligence does not show up in the exam results.

Verbal ability, according to autism activists, is an inaccurate predictor of functional status. Other aids, such as scripts or graphic cards, are used by many persons with ASD who aren’t vocal. They are definitely conversing, but since it isn’t a common means of communication, it gets disregarded and undervalued.

What Are the Typical Signs and Symptoms?

Only a few instruments accurately reflect functional competence. Some parents base their child’s treatment strategy on their observations.

Experts explain that the behaviour of high-functioning and low-functioning children differ significantly. Children on the low-functioning end of the spectrum engage in behaviors that make day-to-day living difficult.

Everyone with ASD struggles with social, communication, and sensory issues. People with severe types of ASD, on the other hand, have a lot of trouble with:

  • Language. They may or may not employ any spoken tools.
  • Senses. When they are exposed to bright lights, crowds, or loud sounds, they often get overwhelmed.
  • Movements that are repeated. They may rock back and forth, groan, smash doors, or beat their heads against the wall.

A youngster that is unable to communicate and has a low IQ may struggle with:

  • Having the ability to express one’s wishes and dreams. In irritation, a youngster like this may throw tantrums, flap hands, or self-harm.
  • Solving problems is a skill. Learning is difficult when one’s IQ is low. In unfamiliar circumstances, children may freeze rather than seek a solution.
  • Connecting. For youngsters like this, expressing affection, requesting attention, or generally reaching out to others might be difficult.

Allergies, asthma, seizures, digestive issues, sleeping difficulties, and genetic illnesses such as fragile X syndrome are common among children with severe types of ASD.

Low-Functioning Autism Treatment Options

Although there is no treatment for autism, it is neither hopeless nor helpless. Therapy may assist autistic youngsters learn a lot about how to operate in the world.

When we think of therapy, we usually picture individuals laying on a sofa discussing their past or future. The treatment for children with ASD differs significantly.

Experts in the field of autism are skilled at developing treatments that are both understandable and enjoyable for youngsters. A therapy session may seem to an observer to be similar to play. The therapist sits at the child’s level, pulling out toys such as blocks, notes, and crayons. They collaborate with lots of opportunities for fun and laughter.

The gold standard for children with autism, especially those on the low-functioning spectrum, is applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment. According to specialists, this umbrella phrase encompasses a wide range of therapies. Discrete trial training is often used with low-functioning children.

This entails:

  • Identification. Experts identify one skill or job that the youngster requires. Therapy aims include pointing to a required item, establishing eye contact, and answering to their name. Older children should be given more duties, such as cleaning their teeth.
  • Taking stuff apart. The therapist selects how these large talents are broken down into smaller components.
  • Practice. The therapist instructs the youngster to practice that one item again and over until he or she has mastered it.

ABA includes the use of incentives. For successfully completing the activity, children get stickers, smiles, crackers, or some other reward. The therapist searches for obstacles if the youngster is unable to accomplish the job. Is the volume in the room too high? Is the chair a pain to sit in? What is the child’s requirement?

When ABA treatment is vigorous, it works best. Expect many hours of treatment each week, with lots of practice sessions in between. Children must repeat their exercises until they have become habitual and consistent with their motions.

Other types of treatment are required for certain children with low-functioning autism. They may require:

  • Physical therapy is a kind of treatment that involves the use of Smooth motions are difficult with tight, spastic muscles. A therapist may be able to assist you in dealing with such concerns.
  • Speech therapy is a kind of treatment that involves the use of Therapists can assist youngsters in developing new communication skills. They may also assist youngsters in practicing speaking in a lower tone with intonation.
  • Occupational therapy is a term used to describe a kind of treatment Some youngsters need assistance holding utensils such as spoons or pencils. Others need assistance with things such as tying shoes or brushing their teeth.

Regular physical touch is also beneficial to children with low-functioning autism. Epilepsy and digestive issues are common co-occurring illnesses that cause pain. They might make it difficult to concentrate on treatment at times. A doctor can get to the root of these problems, which may provide relief.

It might take a long time for children with low-functioning autism to make progress. It’s difficult to maintain patience and concentrate on the future. Many parents are frustrated by how slowly things seem to be moving.

Experts advise focusing on the good. Make a note of every minor improvement you see and refer to it when you’re feeling down or discouraged. Small steps may, and often do, build up to something spectacular. Keep an eye out for happy times.

When You Need It, Get Help

It’s not always simple to raise a kid with low-functioning autism. Many of these kids need 24-hour care, leaving you with little time to attend to your own needs and aspirations.

Join a local autism support group and chat to other parents who are facing similar issues. Make contact with your friends and family and provide them with specific strategies to assist you. Build your support network so you’ll be able to assist your youngster as much as possible.

References

Low-functioning autism is a condition that affects people with autism. It is characterized by the inability to communicate and interact. There are many symptoms of low-functioning autism, but the most common ones include: social withdrawal, lack of eye contact, and repetitive behaviors. Reference: low functioning autism test.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some signs of low functioning autism?

A: Attention deficit disorder, social withdrawal, and emotional under-reactivity are common signs of low functioning autism.

What are the 3 main symptoms of autism?

A: They are often seen in infants before the age of 18 months, they can be difficult to understand or relate to on a personal level and there is an exceptionally high risk for social problems. These symptoms usually worsen over time as well.

Related Tags

  • symptoms of high-functioning autism
  • what is low functioning autism
  • can low-functioning autism improve
  • low functioning autism symptoms in adults
  • low functioning autism in toddlers
>