Mild autism is a form of pervasive developmental disorder that may not show observable symptoms until at least three years old. People with mild autism may have normal speech skills, normal to exceptional intelligence, and be relatively high functioning. Early therapeutic intervention can help some children recover from mild autism. However, they may still be at risk for related conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Mild or high-functioning autism is a form of pervasive developmental disorder characterized by less severe and obvious symptoms than most other cases. As a result, children with mild autism may not experience any observable symptoms until they are at least three years old. Unlike typical autistic individuals, those with mild autism may develop adequate language, have normal to exceptional intelligence, and be relatively high functioning. Research has shown that in some cases children with mild autism can recover when exposed to early therapeutic intervention.
A person considered mildly autistic may appear to be high functioning compared to those with classic autism. Mildly autistic people generally develop normal speech skills, can read and write, play games, and do household chores. In rare cases, such individuals may be successful college students and live independently.
Individuals with mild autism commonly have normal speaking skills, but may have difficulty initiating or sustaining a conversation. Humor and social cues can be difficult but not impossible to grasp. Mildly autistic people may also focus on a single topic and discuss it at length, regardless of the original topic of conversation.
Reciting facts or details or quoting at length from books or movies is another common behavior of people with mild autism. For example, a mildly autistic person might answer a question about school or the weather by naming all the parts of a refrigerator. As a result, children and adults with mild autism may find it difficult to make friends with others.
A mildly autistic child may fixate on an object such as a toy to such an extent that he forgets everyone else in the vicinity. Eye contact can be difficult for people with mild autism to maintain. Additional behaviors of mild autism can include underdeveloped motor skills, lack of empathy for others, and sensory issues.
Although some medical professionals argue that mild autism is indistinguishable from Asperger’s syndrome, there is no consensus among physicians. Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome exhibit many behaviors associated with mild or high functioning autism such as impaired social interaction and limited interests. Additionally, those with Asperger’s generally do not suffer from delayed language or cognitive development.
Studies have shown that children with mild autism may be able to recover from the disorder if they are exposed to rigorous therapeutic interventions early. Applied behavior analysis, a therapy that focuses on improving behaviors and skills, may have the greatest effect on autistic individuals. Even if a child is able to recover from autism, they may be at increased risk for related conditions including anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and depression.
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