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How to Identify the Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Nov 16, 2022
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder is a condition causing issues with behavior and communication. Associated with several symptoms and skills, it can be a minor issue or a complicated disability requiring full-time care. Children with autism have a neurodevelopmental disability affecting their communication, behavioral, and social skills.
Most of the children with autism can sit, crawl, and walk on time. So, you might not notice any developmental delay and child psychology issues until they turn 1. However, there are some early Autism symptoms that you can look out for in your children:
In the remaining 75%, there was a complicated combination of genetics and environmental influences. However, there is no scientific evidence that certain immunization practices, chemicals in the environment, and dietary differences lead to autism.
1. Social Differences
- Makes little to no eye contact
- Doesn’t respond predictably to facial expressions
- Can’t bring objects to show to a parent
- Can’t give appropriate facial expressions
- Can’t point at something
- Difficulty perceiving other people’s expressions
- Not showing empathy in typical ways
- Unable or uninterested in making friends
2. Communication Differences
- Can’t say single words by 16 months of age
- Doesn’t share or point at things
- Repeats words or phrases without understanding immediate context
- Doesn’t respond reliably to their name
- Mixes up pronouns
- Doesn’t want to communicate
- Has a good rote memory
- Loses social and language milestones between 15 and 24 months of age
3. Behavioral Differences
- Spins, sways, rocks, walks on toes, twirls fingers, and flaps hands
- Likes orders, rituals, and routines
- Has difficulty in transitioning from one activity to another
- Altered sensitivity or responses to pain
- Plays with a single part of a toy
- Obsessed with unusual activities
- Can be insensitive or oversensitive to smells, lights, touch, sounds, and textures
- Unusual gaze or vision
The Role of Early Intervention
As children grow, their autism will develop. This will lead to new developmental, speech, language, learning, and behavioral issues. Rainbow Children’s Hospital strongly recommends early intervention to help children with Autism. In some cases, children make so much improvement with intervention, that they don’t meet the criteria for ASD. It is important to identify the symptoms early so that the intervention program can be started soon. Since the early 1990s, the number of children diagnosed with autism has significantly increased. Today, it affects approximately 1 in 36 children. This increase is caused by the following factors:- Awareness of ASD
- More screening of ASD
- Changes in the definition and diagnosis of ASD
- Asperger syndrome
- Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
- Childhood disintegrative disorder
Conclusion
Recognizing early symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder is the first step toward unlocking your child's full potential. At Rainbow Children's Hospital, we believe that early identification and timely behavioral interventions make a profound difference in a child's development. Our dedicated team of child development specialists is here to guide your family with expert care and compassionate support every step of the way.Frequently Asked Questions
What are the diagnostic tests for autism?
Unfortunately, there is no blood test for diagnosing ASD. The only way to diagnose autism is through behaviors. To be diagnosed as autistic, a person should display symptoms of Autism like issues with communication, repetitive and restrictive behaviors, and social interaction.What can be the cause of my child’s autism?
Currently, it is not possible to determine the exact cause of autism. However, research has shown that there are some genetic syndromes that are associated with the disorder like fragile X syndrome and Rett syndrome. In about 25% of the cases, a genetic cause was identified.In the remaining 75%, there was a complicated combination of genetics and environmental influences. However, there is no scientific evidence that certain immunization practices, chemicals in the environment, and dietary differences lead to autism.
