Autism is a certain state of development of the nervous system, which affects the way a person perceives the world and interacts with the environment. In recent years, attention to this issue has increased in the world and Ukraine, but there are still many myths and misinterpretations about the autism manifestations. In our LEVCHYK blog, we provide only credible information about autism. In this article, we consider both general and specific signs of autism, so that everyone can learn more about autism spectrum disorders, and support children with autism on the way to their full development.
Note. Only a doctor should make a diagnosis. The article was created solely for general understanding of the autism topic and raising public awareness.
Common signs of autism spectrum disorders
Deviations in the socialization and communication development
Children with autism may have problems communicating with other people. For example, they may avoid eye contact, not respond to their own name, or not understand what others want from them. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most children with autism have significant difficulties in communicating and interacting with their environment. Approximately 40% of children with ASD aren’t able to develop speech at all, and 25-30% have a limited level of speech skills.
Persistent movement and behavioral patterns
Another typical symptom of autism is stereotypic movement and behavioral patterns. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), about 80% of children with autism show stereotypic behavior, such as repeating the same movements or being fascinated by certain objects. This may include manipulating objects, repeating phrases or sounds, and other monotonous activities. Such children may also be sensitive to changes and feel stressed when they deviate from their normal schedule. Some children can be very active, while others are very calm.
Specific symptoms of autism by age category
ASD signs in children under 2 years old
In the first years of a baby's life, it is important to be attentive to its development and behavior. In some cases, autism symptoms may appear at an early stage. However, it is important to remember that some signs may be normal for a child's development and do not necessarily indicate autism. Here are some red flags to look out for:
- Lack of emotional contact: the baby does not respond to his name, does not react to smiles or other emotional manifestations;
- Lack of gestures and facial expressions: the child does not use gestures (for example, waves his hands, or points to something) or does not express emotions on his/her face;
- Limited eye contact: the baby avoids eye-to-eye contact, does not look at the faces of loved ones, and doesn’t fixate attention on objects;
- Repetitive movements: for example, the baby may repeat monotonous movements, such as spinning around or rocking;
- Lack of words or rare use of language: the child shows no interest in communication or uses only a limited set of words.
Please consult with a pediatrician or child development specialist to determine if these signs are cause for concern. Early diagnosis and intervention can help a child develop and reach their full potential.
Symptoms of autism in preschool children (3-5 years old)
In preschool age, a child develops rapidly, and parents must distinguish between normal developmental stages and possible signs of autism. Here are some manifestations that may indicate the ASD in children aged 3 to 5 years:
- Social withdrawal: the child avoids contact with other children, and shows no interest in joint play or interaction with peers
- Limited toys and activities: the child may be interested only in certain subjects or follow certain stereotyped patterns of play
- Problems with verbal communication: delay in speech or lack of speech in general (the child may not use words to express needs or emotions)
- Persistent interest in routine: the child can very statically adhere to the daily schedule, showing a negative reaction to changes
- Hypersensitivity: the child may react disproportionately to sounds, smells, or touches, or, conversely, not react to them at all.
- Stereotyped movements or habits: for example, a child may rock, repeat the same movements or behavior patterns, or stay focused on a certain object or action for a long time.
Remember that these signs can appear alone or in combination, and their presence does not necessarily indicate autism. It is recommended to conduct an examination and consult with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and development of an individual support plan.
Signs of ASD in schoolchildren (6-12 years old)
At school age, signs of autism may become more apparent due to social and academic demands. Here are some red flags to look out for in children aged 6 to 12:
- Lack of social adaptability: the child may have difficulties in establishing and maintaining friendships with peers, not understanding the rules of social interaction
- Communication problems: the child may have a limited or stereotyped set of speech skills, show difficulties in understanding or using non-verbal methods of communication
- Persistent interest in specific narrow topics: a child may be extremely interested in certain subjects or topics, finding it difficult to expand his interests in other topics.
- Difficulties in controlling emotions: the child may have difficulties in controlling emotions, reacting unexpectedly or disproportionately to stressful situations
- Ritualistic or stereotyped habits: for example, a child may perform persistent rituals or movements in response to stress or excitement.
- Obstacles with the perception of change: the child may show resistance or feel stressed because of changes in the schedule, environment, or routines.
Remember that these signs can appear in each child individually, and their presence does not always indicate autism. It is recommended to conduct an examination and consultation with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and development of an individual support plan.
In conclusion, the ASD signs at all stages of a child's development are similar but they manifest differently. The child grows and his/her behavior changes according to age, although the general manifestations remain.
Early diagnosis and the start of individual support programs can significantly facilitate the process of the child's adaptation to the environment and contribute to its further development. There is no cure for autism, but timely diagnosis will help the child realize its potential in further life.