Low-Functioning Autism: Can Low-Functioning Autism Improve?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) covers a wide range of symptoms that are experienced at different levels. At the lowest end of the autism spectrum, individuals may exhibit some symptoms which may revolve around difficulty with theory of mind which means to a severe extent individuals are unable to comprehend or interpret the intentions and behaviors of other people around them.

People struggling with low-functioning autism experience more severe symptoms such as delayed learning, lack of communication skills, or cognitive skills as compared to other levels of ASD. Low-functioning autistic people are highly dependent on other people to complete daily basic tasks and might not be able to live without assistance.

On the basis of severity, some people with low-functioning autism are not able to communicate their needs at all. Toddlers or children with low-functioning autism are unaware of their actions and their consequences which is why they usually engage in self-injurious behaviors such as self-biting or self-hitting.

Symptoms of Low-Functioning Autism

Children struggling with low-functioning autism have low IQs (below 70). However, they might have some savant or exceptional skills. Below listed are some of the common symptoms of low-functioning autism:

• Aggression toward others
• Difficulty sleeping
• Echolalia (repetition of spoken words)
• Emotional outbursts
• Epilepsy
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Inappropriate responses
• Intellectual disabilities
• Lack of empathy
• Lack of self-expression
• Lack of social interaction
• No speech or slow speech development
• Over-reactivity
• Self-injury such as biting or hitting to express their needs
• Self-stimulation such as spinning around or walking in circles
• Seizures
• Sensory disturbances such as the inability to tolerate loud noises or being touched
• Severe anxiety
• Unable or discomfort caused by leaving their space

Differences between High-Functioning and Low-Functioning Autism

Related Read: Differences between low-functioning and high-functioning autism

Diagnosis and Treatment of Low-Functioning Autism

As a parent, it’s important to monitor growth and developmental milestones. Children with slow development need to be involved in early intervention and diagnosis to prevent the development of disorders and increase successful outcome rates. If you think your child is slow at development or does not show developmental signs at all, connect with your healthcare provider or pediatrician today for early intervention and proper diagnosis. Here are some effective therapy options for low-functioning autism:

1. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA): ABA is considered to be one of the most effective therapies for autism. This therapy is focused on improving children’s social skills, communication skills, and play skills. This therapy also helps in overcoming problematic behaviors such as aggression and self-injury, especially for level 3 autistic children.

2. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): AAC therapy is specially designed for autistic children with communicative disabilities. This therapy helps in improving communication styles through different techniques.

3. Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy is one of the most common yet effective therapy options for autistic children. It helps children learn and integrate effectively.

4. Sensory integration therapy: Sensory integration therapy helps autistic children adapt to different senses inside and outside of therapy settings.

5. Speech-language therapy: Speech-language therapy helps autistic children develop communication skills.

I hope this blog helps you understand low-functioning autism. Comment down and share your queries through the same or you can also write to us at Calm Sage.

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