Autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder, or Autism Spectrum Disorder as it is now called, is a social communication disorder characterized by limitations in verbal and non-verbal communication. It begins to show symptoms in infancy and symptoms persist throughout life. Autism spectrum disorder has many symptoms. For this reason, it should not be reduced to speech problems.
Atypical autism, on the other hand, is used to describe milder cases of autism spectrum disorder, despite the absence of all the symptoms required for a diagnosis of autism.
Symptoms of Atypical Autism
Symptoms of atypical autism are similar to those of autism. However, these people have fewer symptoms.
- Exhibiting repetitive behavior patterns,
- Increased or decreased sensitivity of the senses,
- Inability to communicate verbally or non-verbally,
- Delayed speech and language skills,
- Developmental problems in neurological abilities,
- Exhibiting atypical or inappropriate social behavior,
- Unresponsiveness to physical pain,
- Unusual body movements,
- Anxiety about unfamiliar people and situations,
- Eating and sleeping problems,
- Do not deviate from your routine and overreact if you do,
- Obsessed objects and words,
- Don’t be obsessive and detailed about something,
- Categorizing objects according to sensory properties other than their purpose,
- Not understanding abstract concepts,
- Misuse of pronouns and possessive suffixes,
- Insufficient imagination,
- Inability to understand the moods of people other than oneself,
- Don’t be inclined to loneliness,
- Lack of emotional gestures,
- Don’t be unresponsive to the actions of people other than oneself,
If one or more of these symptoms are present, a specialist should be consulted.
Causes of Atypical Autism
Like autism, the cause of atypical autism is not fully known. However, it is thought to occur due to genetic mutations and environmental factors. Some believe that these genetic mutations in babies are caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the neurological pathways in the womb.
The more common belief is that it is caused by immune-gene, environmental, neuroanatomical, psychiatric and neuropsychiatric causes. For this reason, a significant part of the research has shifted to gene research. Especially 2, 7 and 17. chromosomes are often investigated.
Environmental and familial risk factors include premature birth, medications used unconsciously during pregnancy, infections during pregnancy, vitamin D deficiency, advanced maternal age and advanced paternal age.
Screening Tests
In order to diagnose atypical autism, it is first necessary to determine whether the person is in a risk group. For this, 2-stage screening tests are performed. In the first level screening test, information is sought from people who spend a lot of time with the child.
The second stage consists of information received from experts. These tests consist of intensive questions.
Qualifying Tests
If screening tests are positive, neurological and medical pathogens that may cause these symptoms need to be ruled out. This requires the necessary screening tests. Genetic testing is also necessary to rule out possibilities such as Fragile X and rett.
DSM-5 and ICD-10
After all these stages, the tests necessary for diagnosis are carried out. These tests are more detailed than screening tests. These tests applied to individuals are carried out in the presence of experts. There are many different tests for this purpose and each test is used to identify a different situation.
ADI-R
It is a test to distinguish between individuals with autism and individuals with autism. The aim of the test is to measure people’s social and communication skills.
ADOS-G
In this test, which focuses on mental and physical abilities, children participate through play and adults through conversation.
CARS
This test is designed for secondary screening tests and is also used for diagnosis. In this test with 15 questions, each question is worth up to 4 points.
SRS
Relatives participate in this test. With this 65-question test, the characteristics of individuals can be specificized.
After these tests, autism is classified. The most commonly used classification criteria are DSM-5 and ICD.
Atypical Autism Treatment
There is no definitive cure for atypical autism, just as there is no definitive cure for any type of autism. However, people in this group have the best chance of exiting the autism spectrum with early diagnosis, special education and psychoeducational methods.
With the support of the individual’s family and relatives, it is highly likely that they will be able to continue their normal lives with the determined education and practices. These trainings and practices provided in atypical autism help individuals to increase their skills and communicate correctly.
The trainings and practices used in the treatment of atypical autism have a scientific basis. These criteria and methods are set by the US National Autism Center and the National Center for Professional Development.
Applications Used in the Treatment of Atypical Autism
- Extinction applications,
- Communication system based on image exchange,
- Computer assisted education,
- Speech generating tools,
- Practices carried out by the mother and father,
- Self-management,
- Structured work systems,
- Basic reaction teaching,
- Visual supports,
- Natural learning applications,
- Teaching with video modeling,
- Social stories,
- Differential reinforcement,
- Stopping and redirecting the response,
- Teaching functional communication,
- Assessment of functional behavior,
- Learning with discrete trials,
- Skill analysis,
- Reinforcement,,
- Teaching with a waiting period,
- Applications based on premises,
- Do not offer clues,
Atypical Autism Left Untreated
Failure to treat atypical autism causes individuals’ normal developmental processes to be disrupted. It causes individuals to be unable to meet their own needs and face socio-personal problems in later life. In addition, lack of treatment will cause distress to the person’s family and relatives.
Atypical Autism Medicines
The main point in the treatment of atypical autism is education and practices. Medicines are not preferred in treatment. However, antipsychotic medication can be used to relieve some problems. These problems include anxiety, overreaction and aggression.
