Empowerment Begins Here: Understanding Mild Autism for Positive Change

Neurocognitive difficulties fall under the broad area of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It could be difficult to distinguish between the many forms of autism. But keep in mind that the diagnosis of ASD today places greater emphasis on prompt intervention and the provision of essential support services than its classification.

There is a lot of uncertainty because the term "Mild Autism" is frequently used in a broad sense.

Parents of children with autism can benefit from trustworthy information and research in this situation.

Our ongoing goal at God's Own Child is to improve the awareness of parents of autistic children and to give them trustworthy information about autism spectrum disorder.

Our materials have been a friend to nervous parents of Autism kids in India well; educating them and making them feel confident day by day. 

Degrees of Autism 

If you pay close attention to the specifics of ASD, you'll undoubtedly learn that the term "autism" is used in a variety of settings. The question of what exactly mild autism entails arises in light of the fact that many kids just like yours are receiving diagnoses and hearing from a therapist or doctor that they have it.

Your curiosity is understandable because this phrase is not included in the official diagnosis guide. 

If you have already gone through the recently updated diagnosis criteria, then you could have realized that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder do have challenges with social interaction and repetitive behavior, ranging from mild and moderate to severe form. 

The three levels of support have been confirmed by a single official diagnosis (ASD) since 2013, with level 1 being regarded by some as moderate Autism.

But, it needs to be explained more why the doctor diagnosed your child with "moderate (level 1) Autism" after all. 

Several therapists refer to it as the "Asperger syndrome," while others refer to it as high functioning; nevertheless, neither of these labels has the same official definition as mild autism. 

What is mild Autism? 

According to the most recent research, neither a formal diagnosis nor a definition of mild autism that has been approved by the medical community exists. 

On the surface, the terms Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism are frequently interchanged with moderate autism.

Definitions, terms, and research 

It's possible that some of you have read about moderate autism in the past and are familiar with words like HFA, PDD-NOS, and childhood disintegrative disorder other than Asperger syndrome (High Functioning Autism). 

Until 2013, several of these words were used to describe the moderate autism condition, but not anymore. All of their symptoms cannot be entirely attributable to moderate autism, we want to be clear about that. As a result, they are later removed from the official diagnosis manual. 

The use of a more recent diagnosis is indicated by the modified terminology. Yet, the earlier terms are still occasionally brought up in conversation. Some therapists might still choose to refer to a patient as having "mild autism" because of its previous diagnostic label. This confusion may be puzzling to you.

Autism spectrum disorder is the only diagnostic diagnosis currently used to represent a wide range of neuropsychological issues (ASD).

The severity and diversity of symptoms are taken into consideration while diagnosing each category on this spectrum.

For parents like you, receiving an autism diagnosis can be difficult as well as scary. It could be difficult to distinguish between the many forms of autism.

But keep in mind that the diagnosis of ASD today places greater emphasis on prompt intervention and the provision of essential support services than on its classification.

You might come across older words on the autism disease spectrum if your child was diagnosed prior to the DSM-5's revision, which is totally OK.

If they apply to your child's situation and offer assistance in some way, the consultant therapist may bring them up.

Mild Autism in Children

The severity of symptoms and neuro-developmental deficits on the autism spectrum vary greatly.

ASD includes youngsters with moderate autistic symptoms all the way up to those with severe traits who require intensive therapeutic help just to get by each day.

It is applicable to various communication styles and social behaviors, as well as all intellect levels (1-3).

The differences between the three stages of ASD can be negligible and difficult to distinguish.

Good categorization might not be as crucial as locating and gaining access to the necessary therapeutic assistance.

Your child has been identified as having mild autism, which is defined as having minor symptoms (modest communication and personality traits) of autism. Also, it indicates that the individual has mild autism, or level 1.

In actuality, the answer to everyone's question concerning whether mild autism exists is yes.

Nevertheless, modest symptoms have been observed in certain youngsters to date, but they only require minimum care. Official diagnosis has dropped out of any such phrase from the range of the spectrum.

Common Symptoms of Mild Autism

Communication and social interaction issues are likely the most obvious signs of moderate autism.

Learning, speaking, and problem-solving abilities may be a little impacted.

Each child is unique. While some of them will have the majority of the symptoms, others will only have a few of the ones listed.

The following are typical signs of a moderate autism spectrum disorder in children:

• Lack of verbal/ nonverbal communication, facial expressions, emotions, eye contact, body language
• Difficulty in social interactions and relations (making/playing with friends, sharing hobbies)
• Repeating the same words, activities, actions, or movements.
• Limited interest, attention, or focus that is hard to change.
• Slight or extremely sensitive to light, sound, pain, touch, smell, etc

It is okay to indicate that your child has "moderate Autism" if your child has language skills and intellectual ability, but has disruptive social skills, sensory concerns, and/or serious issues following altered rules or routines.

Is Mild Autism Treatable?

Once thought to be a lifelong illness, mild autism in your child may be reversible.

According to recent studies, many children who are moderately autistic still struggle, but they could benefit from educational and therapeutic support. 

Appropriate therapies for mild Autism? 

Your child with mild autism may benefit from specific drugs to help with related problems like loss of focus, depression, insomnia, and seizures. When used in conjunction with speech, play, behavioral, and physical treatments, these medications have been shown to be beneficial.

The word mild is crucial. Autism is a rather common condition, and its prevalence is used to gauge how severe its symptoms are.

It should be identified early, though, as it can have serious effects on your child's social interactions, language, independence, and emotions.

So, it is best to refrain from classifying Autism based on anything known as "moderate Autism".

Instead, seek out experienced therapists who can assist your child and work for early interventions. 

Did you find this post useful?

Please share your thoughts, opinions, experiences, and questions relating to mild autism!

Certainly, we'll consider your suggestions.

In the following days, keep an eye on this space for more interesting posts on ASD. Together, we can and will do this! 

Email us at support@godsownchild.com if you have any questions.