Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals of all ages. It manifests in different levels of severity, and those with the most extreme forms are diagnosed with severe autism. People with severe autism can experience significant challenges due to their diagnosis, but many resources are available to support them in leading meaningful, fulfilling lives.
In this blog post, we'll explore what severe autism is and its associated symptoms and tips for how someone with a diagnosis can live their best life despite the disorder's impact on their day-to-day life.
Definition of Severe Autism
Severe autism is a type of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that affects individuals in more extreme ways than other forms. Those with severe autism can struggle to communicate and interact socially, may have difficulty adapting to change, and often demonstrate restricted interests and behaviors. People with severe autism may also experience sensory processing difficulties, such as hypersensitivity to sound or light, and movement issues, such as hand-flapping or rocking back and forth.
Other challenges related to severe autism include difficulty controlling emotions, short attention span, repetitive behavior patterns, cognitive delays or impaired intellectual functioning, sleeping problems, digestive problems, seizures, or epilepsy associated with their condition. Those living with severe autism need to receive early intervention and support to improve functioning, build life skills, and minimize or prevent challenging behaviors.
Understanding the Symptoms of Severe Autism
The most common symptoms of severe autism are difficulty communicating and interacting with others, restricted interests and behaviors, sensory processing issues, emotional regulation issues, cognitive delays or impaired intellectual functioning, difficulty controlling emotions, short attention span, repetitive behavior patterns, sleeping problems, digestive problems seizures or epilepsy associated with the condition.
Additionally, individuals with severe autism may have a heightened awareness of sensory input, such as sound and light.
Speech and social symptoms
Speech and social symptoms are common in those with severe autism. This can include difficulty understanding non-verbal cues or body language, struggling to express emotions verbally, having trouble engaging in conversations, and often avoiding eye contact.\
These difficulties can make it hard for people living with severe autism to form close relationships and navigate daily life tasks like shopping or running errands on their own. It is also important to note that individuals with severe autism may be able to understand spoken language at a basic level but have difficulty using verbal communication themselves.
Sensory dysfunction
Individuals with severe autism may also experience sensory dysfunction, often struggling to interpret and respond appropriately to sensory input such as sound or light. This can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed or overstimulated by their environment, difficulty adapting to changes in routine, and a heightened awareness of certain sensory cues that can lead to anxiety. In these cases, parents and caregivers must provide the necessary support for the individual to cope with their environment.
Cognitive challenges
Cognitive challenges can also be common in those with severe autism. This can include difficulty understanding abstract concepts, impaired memory skills, difficulty problem-solving or planning, and issues forming a logical sequence of events.
These cognitive deficits can make it difficult for individuals to understand what is being asked of them and can lead to frustration or disengagement when faced with tasks that are too complex. It is important to provide the necessary support for those with severe autism to help them manage any cognitive difficulties they may be facing.
Repetitive behaviors
Repetitive behaviors are also common among those with severe autism. This can include hand-flapping, rocking back and forth, or repeating the same phrase or word repeatedly.
These behaviors are often used as a coping mechanism for people with severe autism, but they can interfere with daily life tasks and make it difficult to carry out activities independently.
Providing support that promotes self-regulation skills is important to help individuals manage their repetitive behaviors more effectively.
Physical symptoms
Physical symptoms can also be associated with severe autism. This can include digestive issues, sleeping problems, or seizures related to their condition. It is important to work closely with medical professionals to identify physical issues and support those with severe autism to manage their physical symptoms more effectively.
Severe Autism and Developmental Expectations
Developmental milestones are important to consider when discussing severe autism. Those with the disorder may struggle to reach developmental expectations due to communication, socialization, and sensory processing challenges. Parents and caregivers need to adjust realistic expectations for those living with severe autism and recognize that progress can take longer than what is typically seen in other individuals without a diagnosis.
It is also important to remember that while some children with severe autism will need more assistance than others, there are still ways they can experience success in different aspects of life. With the right support and interventions, those with severe autism can learn new skills and have positive experiences despite their diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Severe Autism
Diagnosis and treatment for severe autism can vary from person to person. To reach their full potential, those with the disorder may require additional interventions such as behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. Additionally, medical professionals may recommend medications for those who experience physical issues tied to their diagnosis.
To receive a diagnosis of severe autism, individuals should undergo a complete evaluation by a medical team, including a psychologist, physician, and other qualified professionals familiar with the disorder. During this process, medical professionals will assess an individual’s behavior patterns and social functioning to identify any relevant symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). From there, they will create an individualized plan of care best suited for the person’s needs.
Resources on Understanding and Supporting People With Severe Autism
Fortunately, various resources are available to help parents and caregivers understand and support those with severe autism. Organizations such as the Autism Society of America provide helpful information on how to better understand the disorder, identify associated symptoms and treatments, and provide strategies for promoting independence in those living with ASD.
Additionally, local support groups can be great sources of support for those caring for someone living with severe autism.
FAQs
What level is severe autism?
Severe autism is the most extreme autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Those with this diagnosis experience significant communication and socialization challenges, sensory dysfunction, cognitive impairments, and repetitive behaviors.
What kind of help is available for those living with severe autism?
Various resources are available to help individuals with severe autism live their best life. Parents and caregivers can work closely with medical professionals to create an individualized plan of care tailored to the person’s needs. Depending on the individual's symptoms, this may include behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or medications.
Additionally, support groups and organizations such as the Autism Society of America can provide helpful information for understanding ASD and providing necessary care.
How do I know if my child has severe autism?
To receive a diagnosis of severe autism, your child should undergo a complete evaluation by a medical team, including a psychologist, physician, and other qualified professionals familiar with the disorder.
A thorough assessment of their behavior patterns and social functioning can help identify any relevant symptoms associated with ASD so that an individualized care plan can be created best suited for the person’s needs.
Conclusion
Severe autism is an extreme form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that can cause significant challenges in communication, socialization, sensory processing, cognitive function, and more. With the right support and resources, however, those living with the disorder can experience success in different aspects of life.
