Autism is a developmental disorder that affects how a person behaves and interacts with others. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of conditions, of which, Autistic disorder and Asperger’s syndrome are the two main types.
Autism symptoms often begin in early childhood. With early diagnosis and therapy, children with autism can grow up to function normally. Autism lets them develop social, cognitive, and language skills.
Autism is not curable, but its effects can be managed. Read this guide to know the signs and symptoms of autism in children.
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Observing Behavioral Changes
There are some telltale signs that could be indicative of an autism spectrum disorder.
These behavioral changes can vary from child to child. They may include avoiding eye contact and struggling with communication and social interactions. It can also include displaying repetitive behavior such as spinning or rocking. It can also be observed in engaging in extreme behavior such as tantrums or aggression.
They may seem overly sensitive to light, sound, or texture. They may be unresponsive to verbal or physical cues. If these signs are present, it is important to seek help from a professional. They can help check the child and determine if a diagnosis is warranted.
Interpreting Social Difficulties
One of the telltale signs of autism in children is difficulty interpreting social cues. They also struggle in responding appropriately in social interactions.
Children with autism may struggle to start conversations. They have a hard time picking up on cues from their peers or interpreting social cues. They have difficulty recognizing other people’s feelings and reading their facial expressions.
Children with autism may be unusually quiet during social interactions. Sometimes they may be overly talkative or inappropriate. They may have limited interests or an obsession with a narrow topic.
Understanding Repetitive Behaviors
Repetitive behaviors are one of the telltale signs of autism in children that you should be aware of. This can be seen in a variety of ways, such as repeating words or phrases, hand-flapping, rocking, finger-flicking, and even stimming.
Repetitive behaviors can also include obsessive interests in a certain topic. It can also show in restricted diets and preoccupation with certain objects. It is important to know what kind of behaviors your child exhibits. This can help to identify any possible development issues.
Understanding the behavior of your child can help you create effective coping strategies. Also investing in center based ABA therapy services can help you get a better understanding of providing a safe and nurturing environment necessary for mental and physical health and for them to grow and progress.
Absence or Delayed Language Development
Language delays can present themselves in a variety of ways. These can be delayed spoken language, limited vocabulary, or decreased ability to converse.
Some children may not speak at all, or may only use simple phrases. They may also use scripts or overload their language with inappropriate words. They use short phrases instead of full sentences.
Children may also struggle to use appropriate gestures in social situations. They might not understand figurative language like metaphors and idioms.
Early Detection: Understanding Autism in Children
Autism is a complex, yet manageable condition. Being aware of the telltale signs of autism in children can help parents and caregivers recognize early warning signs and seek the resources they need to give their child the best possible chance at living a fulfilling, successful life. If you suspect that your child has autism, take immediate action to find out more.
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