Autism is a complex disorder that affects the way people think and interact with others. It can be life-changing for those who have it, as well as for their families and friends. Fortunately, early and intensive intervention can help.
Signs and symptoms of autism may vary a lot from one person to the next, but there are some common themes to look for that may be a clue about whether or not your child has autism.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism
Some of the signs and symptoms of autism that you might see in your child include:
Lack of social skills
A big problem for children with autism is their inability to understand or react to social cues. These cues include what people say or do, body language and gestures. They also might not be able to follow simple instructions or respond appropriately to new things they see or hear.
This can lead to frustration and confusion as they try to learn how to interact with others. It can make your child feel like they don’t belong in social situations, or that they aren’t good enough to be around other people.
You might notice that your child’s social skills aren’t as strong as they should be, or that they don’t seem to have the same friends as other kids their age. These signs can be difficult to spot, but if they are persistent, they could be a sign of autism.
Symptoms are more common in boys, but they can also be found in girls. A child with autism is more likely to have problems with social skills than other children.
If your child has a hard time with social interactions and has trouble making friends, they might be a good candidate for behavioral therapy. These therapies can teach your child how to use their words to communicate their needs.
They can also be taught how to use non-verbal communication techniques to express their feelings. Some people with autism have difficulty interpreting the messages they receive through facial expressions, so behavioral therapy can help them understand what’s being said and how to respond.
A baby’s brain develops rapidly in the first months of life, so some babies might be diagnosed with autism at an early age because they are behind in their developmental milestones. If you are worried, your pediatrician can give you an estimate of your baby’s developmental age and help you decide if it might be worth talking to a specialist about your concerns.
Observe their eye contact and smiles
If your child has trouble making or keeping eye contact, this is another indicator that they might have autism. You might also notice that they don’t smile at you often, or that they avoid smiling at others.
Some people with autism are hypersensitive to certain types of touch, facial expressions and sounds. This can make them nervous and cause them to react with intense fear or anxiety.
Scientists have found that a type of genetic abnormality called dysplasia can increase the risk of autism in some people. This disorder occurs when there are chromosomal changes in the genes, which can interfere with how the brain develops. It can be inherited or caused by other factors. However, these factors are not the only causes of autism, and they usually co-occur with other environmental and behavioral risk factors.
Conclusion
Autism is a complex disorder that affects social interaction and communication skills. Some common signs and symptoms of autism include difficulties in understanding social cues, lack of appropriate response to instructions or new stimuli, and challenges in making and maintaining eye contact or smiling. These symptoms can vary widely among individuals and may be more pronounced in boys, but they can also be found in girls. Early intervention through behavioral therapy can help improve social skills and communication abilities. Additionally, genetic factors like dysplasia may contribute to autism, but environmental and behavioral factors also play a role. If parents notice persistent signs, consulting with a pediatrician or specialist is recommended to address concerns and explore potential interventions.