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What Are the 5 Different Types of Autism?

November 19, 2019

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1 in every 59 children in America (Autism Speaks). Established as an umbrella term in 2013, ASD is not one single condition but a spectrum of closely related disorders that can affect a child’s social behaviors, speech and language patterns, and/or cognitive development skills. As a parent, relative, or friend of someone living with ASD, you may have many questions about its conditions, severity of symptoms, and how best to take care of someone recently diagnosed with autism. 

Best Care, a dedicated home care agency in the Twin Cities, offers support, guidance, and pediatric home care services to ensure your child receives the best autism care possible in the comfort of your home. Before getting to know how we can help your child receive quality home care, here are some important FAQs about autism and its different forms:

Different Types of Autism

As ASD covers a wider spectrum of related disorders and symptoms, clinicians, pediatrics, and even the media tend to use certain terms to define the level of severity of ASD cases, including: 

    1. High-Functioning Autism (HFA): Though not considered a medical term, HFA was (and is still) typically used to describe people living with autism who are able to live independently and perform necessary daily activities, such as eating, dressing, bathing, etc. 
    2. Atypical Autism: As with HFA, Atypical Autism was used to describe someone living with a less severe type of autism.  
    3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): According to Autism Speaks, “PDD-NOS became the diagnosis applied to children or adults who are on the autism spectrum but do not fully meet the criteria for another ASD such as autistic disorder (sometimes called “classic” autism) or Asperger syndrome.”
    4. Asperger Syndrome: Aspergers was typically used to describe individuals on the spectrum who portrayed strong language and intellectual skills but experienced the social development challenges of autism.  
    5. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ASD became the official umbrella term in 2013 to encompass the wide spectrum of closely related disorders mentioned above.

How to Take Care of a Child with Autism

If you’re already caring for a son or daughter living with autism, your child may qualify for home care services in Minnesota. At Best Care, we offer pediatric home care services that allow your child to receive support and quality autism care from a family relative, close friend, or personal caregiver. Though parents are not eligible to become personal care assistants for their children, there are many options available to you that will ensure your child still receives quality care while you’re at work or away from home, rather than he or she living in a facility or hospital setting. 

To learn more about the benefits of pediatric services, visit our website or contact our team today! We’ll walk you through your options and educate you on your child’s eligibility for pediatric home care services. 

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