What are autism subtypes?
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects social communication & interaction, & often includes repetitive behaviors or interests.
Recent research has identified four subtypes of autism based on differences in brain connectivity & behavioral symptoms.
Social communication subtype: This subtype is characterized by difficulty with social communication & interaction, including challenges with understanding nonverbal cues & developing friendships.
Externalizing subtype: This subtype is characterized by externalizing behaviors, such as aggression, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Internalizing subtype: This subtype is characterized by internalizing behaviors, such as anxiety, & withdrawal.
Mixed subtype: This subtype is characterized by a combination of social communication difficulties, externalizing behaviors, & internalizing behaviors.
These subtypes were identified using brain imaging techniques that measured connectivity between different brain regions involved in social processing, regulation, & cognitive control.
The research found that each subtype had unique patterns of connectivity & behavioral symptoms.
Identifying these subtypes can help with developing personalized treatment approaches for individuals with autism.
For example, individuals with the social communication subtype may benefit from social skills training, while those with the externalizing subtype may benefit from behavioral interventions.
Overall, this research highlights the importance of considering individual differences in autism when developing treatment approaches & supports.
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