Autistic Disorder

A little more than 10 years ago, the term autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was coined to describe a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that shared many of the same traits. Before this time, the five disorders under the ASD umbrella were considered separate and not related in any way.

However, thanks to much research, links between each was found, and they are now treated by the medical and professional community as one larger disorder. That being said, there is a wide range of signs, symptoms and severity that people with ASD can experience and exhibit, and much of this has to do with the “type” of autism that a person has.

While the professional community doesn’t refer to the individual disorders anymore, some people still refer to them in their old way — including some people who were diagnosed before ASD was coined in 2013.

Below, we describe one of these types of ASD, called either Autistic Disorder or Kanner’s Syndrome.

Learn more about Autism

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What is Autistic Disorder?

Kanner’s Syndrome was named after Leo Kanner, who is a researcher credited with penning one of the first reports about autism, which was published in 1943. Even before 2013, that name had been phased out, though, and replaced with simply “autism.”

Autism, as Kanner first reported on it, was termed “infantile autism.” It was a disorder that was first observed in young children and infants, and was characterized by repetitive behavior and impairments with socialization, among some other symptoms.

Some of these symptoms include unusual patterns of speech, a general resistance to a change of any sort, significant deficits with language development, an odd attachment to certain objects and not responding appropriately (or at all) to others.

In most cases, onset of Kanner’s Syndrome was observed before a child turned 30 months old — or right before their third birthday.

Initially, it wasn’t thought to be as prevalent as it is today.

What are Some of the Other Signs of Autistic Disorder?

Many of the signs and symptoms of Autistic Disorder are similar to other types of ASD. Most people who are diagnosed with it will appear to be very attentive, clever and smart, while they also exhibit certain underlying traits that are different than that of neurotypical children.

This might include not being able to form attachments with other people on an emotional level, being obsessed with certain objections, facing difficulties with interpersonal communication and not being able to control their speech.

While they might experience significant problems with learning in certain subjects or areas, they also may exhibit a very high level of visuospatial skills and rote memory. Children with Autistic Disorder may also display apathy toward some activities that other children enjoy.

Even when they do enjoy an activity, they might take keen interest in one aspect of it, rather than the entirety of the activity. As such, children with Autistic Disorder often seem to be withdrawn from the world around them and isolated.

They may also experience challenges with behavior, exhibited short outbursts or even full meltdowns at times.

How is Autistic Disorder Treated?

There are many treatments options for Autistic Disorder. One of the leading treatments is known as applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy.

ABA therapy is a science- and evidence-based approach to learning and behavior. Using positive reinforcement techniques and repetition, children are taught essential life skills and are supported in building the communication and social skills with which they often struggle.

This treatment plan is personalized specifically to each individual based on their particular strengths and challenges. In this way, the treatment is able to be extremely effective, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Trained BCBAs will work one-on-one with each child, helping them break down tasks into simple steps, which helps them learn and understand. For instance, teaching how to brush their teeth involves teaching how to pick up the toothbrush, apply the toothpaste, brush each tooth, scrub the tongue, rinse and spit.

By rewarding children when they exhibit the desired behavior, they are motivated to repeat that desired behavior in the future — even outside of ABA therapy sessions.

Trust Blue Gems ABA with Your Child’s ABA Therapy Treatment

Autistic Disorder is one of the five neurodevelopmental disorders that are lumped under the umbrella of ASD today. No matter what types of ASD your child has, ABA therapy is the leading, proven treatment that can help them gain the social, communication and daily life skills they need to live a happy and fulfilling life.

At Blue Gems ABA, we have a team of trained and experienced BCBAs who will create a customized ABA therapy treatment plan for your child.

To learn more, please contact us today.