Autistic behaviors are those behaviors that are more common in individuals with autism. Autism is a developmental disorder that affects how people learn, communicate, and behave. Autism is also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) because individuals experience a wide range (or spectrum) of symptoms and severity.

Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), also known as atypical autism or subthreshold autism, refers to a subtype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characterized by developmental delays in socialization and communication skills.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is also known as autism, is a neurological and developmental disorder that alters learning, behavior, social communication, and interactions. This condition is described as neurological due to imaging studies that show structural and functional differences in the brain of children with autism in comparison to children without this disorder. It is also defined as developmental because the symptoms usually appear during early childhood.

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder, is a complex condition for which there is no cure. To date, conventional methods such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy help provide symptom improvement. Specially designed therapeutic devices and toys as well as medication are additional options for children with autism. ABA is a beneficial approach that focuses on common aspects of behavior that motivate certain actions.

Social communication disorder (SCD) refers to children who have trouble using language to interact with others. Individuals with SCD understand language and can use it in some contexts, but have trouble communicating in social situations. Between 7% and 11% of children are estimated to have SCD.

Extinction burst refers to the temporary increase of an unwanted behavior before the behavior decreases and goes away. When a behavior goes away after reinforcement for the behavior is taken away, it is called extinction. Extinction bursts can occur when using the extinction method, which aims to stop or reduce certain behaviors that may have been rewarded in the past.

The rate of autism diagnoses has increased over the recent years, but this condition does not appear to be overdiagnosed, it is being diagnosed more accurately. According to research, increased awareness about autism and broader diagnostic criteria are the main reasons why more children are receiving this diagnosis.

Children who have autism spectrum disorder experience a range of emotions, but they may need support to properly recognize, process, understand, and manage their emotions. Although anyone may occasionally struggle with emotional issues, children with autism are four times more likely to have problems regulating their emotions than those who are not diagnosed with this condition.

Narcissism is defined as having an inflated self-image and self-centered personality, while autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by social and communication deficits that may be mistaken for self-centeredness. Due to this type of misunderstanding, autism spectrum disorder may be misdiagnosed as narcissistic personality disorder.

Toe walking is walking on the ball of the foot without letting the heel touch the ground. Toe walking has been observed in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) more frequently than in children who are not diagnosed with ASD.

Masking is also referred to as camouflaging, social camouflaging, or compensating. People who mask hide behaviors associated with autism and try to only show what other people may think are more socially acceptable behaviors to fit in. Some people mask purposefully and other people may do it subconsciously. 

More than 2 percent of adults in the United States are diagnosed with autism. Autism is usually considered a disorder of childhood, but the diagnosis can be missed. It is common for people to make it to adulthood without an autism diagnosis, leading to a feeling that they don’t quite fit in. If you are one of these people, you may not realize that some of your feelings and behaviors are related to autism.

Boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often overlooked or misdiagnosed in girls. The symptoms may present differently in girls than boys. Girls may also be able to hide their symptoms better than boys. This means that autism may be harder to spot in girls than in boys.

Stimming is short for self-stimulatory behavior. It may also be referred to as stereotyped or repetitive behavior. Researchers have recognized repetitive behaviors as being a key characteristic of autism since it was first described. Stimming remains a key part of an autism diagnosis.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diverse group of conditions related to the development of the brain, also known as a neurodevelopmental disorder. Autism affects about 1 in 44 children in the United States. ASD will look different for everyone. The term “spectrum” is used because people with ASD can experience a wide variety in the type of symptoms they experience and the severity of the symptoms.

Most people have experienced sensory overload at some point in their life. You may have noticed stress caused by music that is too loud or lights that are too bright. Everyone copes with this stress in different ways. This may look different in children who have not developed coping skills yet.

Variations in the DSM diagnosis of autism (now recognized more precisely as autism spectrum disorder) have influenced changes in autism leveling. The degrees of autism provide additional clarity on a person's autism diagnosis in terms of where they fall on the spectrum.

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-five) measures three functional levels of autism, designed to assist therapists with the development of proper support plans. Each of these levels of autism serves as a guide to the amount of help that a child needs to function properly throughout daily life.

Level 3 autism requires substantial support because children in this category often exhibit behaviors to an extreme and dangerous level. They may find it challenging to express themselves verbally and non-verbally, and it may be difficult for them to interact socially.

Low functioning autism, or LFA, refers to children and adults who display the most severe symptoms of autism and face challenges living independently.

If parents have concerns that their child may be on the autism spectrum, the first thing parents should do is consult their pediatrician. Every child should get a pediatric assessment at 18 and 24-months to make sure they’re on track for developmental milestone markers.

Autism symptoms and behaviors differ widely from one child to another. However, some common symptoms and behaviors can help parents and caregivers understand their child's developmental delays and connect with experts to assist them in overcoming the challenges they face in their day-to-day lives.

Based on the DSM-5 autism criteria, professionals diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on difficulties in “social communication” and “restricted, repetitive and/or sensory behaviors or interests.”

Atypical autism, also known as PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified), is defined by the ICD-10 as a pervasive developmental disorder that does not meet the diagnostic criteria for autism. The term "atypical autism" was first used in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses (DSM-5), a textbook reference used by medical practitioners to identify and diagnose mental disorders.

The different levels of autism categorize the severity of social skills and behaviors of children with autism. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), autism is categorized by doctors as level 1, 2, or 3 according to the two areas of functioning — social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors.

Severe autism refers to a developmental delay in children where they face extreme symptoms and require continuous support and supervision. As a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, it is important to understand the difference between moderate and severe autism. Identifying this difference can help you better understand your child's challenges and assist them in living an independent life. 

High-functioning autism is a term used to individuals who may exhibit certain deficits in communication, emotional expression, and social interactions. These individuals may not require assistance in daily living or motor skills, but may still require assistance in social and communication skills. As such, high-functioning autism is also considered a level-1 diagnosis.

Signs of autism can start appearing anywhere between 1 to 9 months. Children with autism may find it challenging to play outdoor games, learn specific skills, and communicate with friends and family.

ASD, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a form of neurodivergence with a range of conditions including challenges with repetitive behaviors, maladaptive behaviors, social skills, speech communication, and nonverbal communication. These conditions are often distinguished by differences in interaction and communication behaviors.

Getting an autism diagnosis is an important step in starting care. If you suspect that your child might have autism, an early diagnosis can make a huge difference for your child's growth and development.

After your child receives a new autism diagnosis, you might be feeling overwhelmed and confused. You might be wondering: What happens now? What steps can I take to help my child thrive? What types of therapy will my child need? What is ABA?