Q: What does mildly autistic mean?

Mildly autistic, also known as &quot;high-functioning autism,&quot; are both somewhat outdated terms that had been used to refer to a person with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism can sometimes go undiagnosed until adulthood. Here are <a href="https://meetmonarch.com/health-resources/articles/autism-spectrum-disorder/8-signs-of-autism-in-adults" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">8 signs you may be living with adult autism spectrum disorder (ASD).</a>Prior to 2013, autism diagnoses were split into these three types depending on the the differences and intensity of symptoms:<ol><li>Autistic disorder</li><li>Asperger’s syndrome</li><li>Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)</li></ol>In 2013, the DSM-5 combined these into a one diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Asperger’s syndrome was considered on the mild end of the spectrum. People with Asperger’s were often deemed “high functioning,” with average-to-above-average intelligence and without speech delays. With that said, mild autism is not an official medical term. As such, doctors do not use this term when making a diagnosis. <a href="https://meetmonarch.com/therapists/autism-spectrum-disorder" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Find a mental health professional near you who treats autism spectrum disorder.</a>

Question 1

Does therapy help kids with autism?

Accepted Answer

Although there is no cure for autism, therapy can be an effective way to help kids with autism manage their symptoms. In fact, there are various therapy interventions that can reduce autism symptoms and help children lead a better quality of life.

It's important to note that children have the best outcomes when therapy is started early. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is recommended that you start to research therapists and types of therapies as soon as you suspect your child has autism.

More specifically, it's a good idea to begin therapy during preschool or earlier. Even if your child is older than preschool age, it's never too late to start therapy treatment for your child.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

Question 2

How do you treat a child with autism?

Accepted Answer

There are several types of therapies used to treat autism, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, physical therapy, sensory integration therapy, and assistive technology.

The effectiveness of treatment depends on a variety of factors, such as where your child falls on the autism spectrum, along with what treatment interventions your child participates in. Treatment plans are generally multidisciplinary, may involve parent-mediated interventions, and will target your child's individual needs.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

Question 3

Which therapy is best for an autistic child?

Accepted Answer

There are a variety of therapies that are effective for autistic children. Generally, the most successful approach to helping children with autism is behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy is an umbrella term used to describe various types of therapies to treat mental health disorders.

While many people believe that behavioral therapy is meant for children that are disorderly, it is a proven approach and considered the main tool for developing social skills in autistic children. Behavioral therapy is effective and safe and comes with a variety of styles to meet your child's needs.

Here are three types of behavioral therapies to know.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA). This is the most-researched intervention for autism and has been used by professionals for more than 50 years. Applied behavior analysis is a highly structured, scientific approach that focuses on developing play, communication, and self-care. It also focuses on developing academic and social living skills as well as reducing problematic behaviors.
Verbal behavior therapy. This therapy focuses on teaching non-vocal children how to communicate with purpose. The goal of verbal behavior therapy is to move children beyond labeling and learn how to vocalize their requests in order to use words functionally.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy is generally reserved for children with milder symptoms of autism. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on defining triggers of certain behaviors, which enables the child to begin recognizing these triggers themselves. With practice, children will be able to learn when they are beginning to present habitual behavior or a mental path, giving them an opportunity to redirect.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

Question 4

What does mildly autistic mean?

Accepted Answer

Mildly autistic, also known as "high-functioning autism," are both somewhat outdated terms that had been used to refer to a person with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Autism can sometimes go undiagnosed until adulthood. Here are 8 signs you may be living with adult autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Prior to 2013, autism diagnoses were split into these three types depending on the the differences and intensity of symptoms:

Autistic disorder
Asperger’s syndrome
Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)

In 2013, the DSM-5 combined these into a one diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Asperger’s syndrome was considered on the mild end of the spectrum. People with Asperger’s were often deemed “high functioning,” with average-to-above-average intelligence and without speech delays.

With that said, mild autism is not an official medical term. As such, doctors do not use this term when making a diagnosis.

Find a mental health professional near you who treats autism spectrum disorder.

Question 5

Does autism worsen with age?

Accepted Answer

Some research suggests that the severity of autism can worsen with age.

Communication, social interactions, and flexible thinking can become more difficult for older adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Coping with change or generating new ideas or solutions can also become more challenging.

See 8 symptoms of autism in adults.

The study also found that older people with autism are more likely to extract rules or prefer structured processes than younger people.

According to the researchers, the increasing severity of symptoms could be because older adults with mild ASD traits may not be proactive in seeking a diagnosis as a way of assessing support. Find a therapist near you who treats autism spectrum disorder.

Question 6

Is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) effective for autism?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or talk therapy, is usually effective for children and adolescents with autism. In its application, CBT plays a role in reducing anxiety in patients with ASD. Anxiety is one of the most presenting problems that impair people with autism.

A study by York University researchers found that approximately 70% of children with autism are also impacted by emotional problems. About 25-40% of them will have anger or depression issues. The study found that CBT helped these patients cope with and manage anxiety and other emotional problems they experienced.

Furthermore, CBT helps patients handle stressful situations, especially those with mild symptoms. Besides, CBT is effective in helping patients with autism overcome their maladaptive beliefs, including false beliefs.

Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.

Does therapy help kids with autism?

Related questions about autism spectrum disorder

Life is complicated. Finding a therapist shouldn’t be.

Newsletter signup

Get inspiration straight to your inbox.