Subtitle: Mild Forms of Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interactions. It encompasses a wide range of developmental disabilities, and its severity can range from mild to severe. Those with mild forms of autism may have difficulty with social interactions and communication but can still function fairly independently in their day-to-day lives.
Asperger Syndrome is one of the mildest forms of autism, and is sometimes referred to as “high-functioning autism”. People with Asperger Syndrome may have difficulty with communication and social interactions, but they usually have average to above-average intelligence. They may also have difficulty understanding social cues and expressing their emotions.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) is another mild form of autism. People with PDD-NOS may have similar symptoms to those with Asperger Syndrome, but may have more difficulty with communication and social interactions. They may also have difficulty with motor coordination and sensory processing.
Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder (SPCD) is a mild form of autism characterized by difficulty with social communication. People with SPCD may have difficulty understanding the nuances of language, including sarcasm and jokes, and may have difficulty understanding the social rules of conversation.
Atypical Autism is a mild form of autism that is characterized by difficulty with social interactions and communication, but may not meet the full criteria for a diagnosis of autism. People with atypical autism may have difficulty with social cues, understanding of body language, and may be socially awkward.
Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) is a mild form of autism characterized by difficulty with social interactions and communication. People with NVLD may have difficulty understanding body language, reading facial expressions, and understanding social cues. They may also have difficulty with coordination and motor skills.