Autism spectrum disorder can manifest in some children as early as infancy, displaying reduced eye contact, unresponsiveness to their name, or apathy towards caregivers. Conversely, some children may initially develop typically for the first few months or years of life but later display withdrawn or aggressive behavior or lose previously attained language skills. Generally, signs of autism spectrum disorder become apparent by the time a child reaches 2 years of age.
The perplexing nature of autism spectrum disorder presents itself through a range of distinctive behavior patterns and severity levels among children. Each child is a unique case, with some displaying difficulties in learning and signs of subpar intelligence, while others possess average to high intelligence but encounter obstacles in communication and adapting to social situations. The determination of the condition’s severity often depends on the extent of impairments and their impact on the child’s functioning abilities.
Social Interactions
Any of the following indications, whether they are present in a child or adult with an autism spectrum condition, could indicate difficulties with social interaction and communication:
• Refuses hugging and holding and sometimes seems not to hear you when you call his or her name.
• Seems to prefer playing alone and withdrawing into his or her world rather than accepting your attention.
• Facial expression is absent and eye contact is poor
• Loses the ability to talk normally, speaks slowly, or speaks less clearly than before
• cannot initiate or maintain conversations, or initiates them merely to make requests or categorize things.
• Speaks in an unusual tone or rhythm, sometimes with a singsong voice or robotic-sounding speech.
• Repeats phrases and words without understanding their meaning
• Does not understand questions and directions
• Unable to express feelings and emotions towards others
• Handles social interactions by being either aggressive or passive
Behavioral Pattern
Adults and children with autism spectrum disorders demonstrate constrained behavior, repetitive activities, and interests. The use of repetitive motions such as rocking, spinning, or hand flapping, as well as behaviors that may result in self-harm, such as biting or head-banging, may be indicators of this illness. They could have particular rituals or routines and become upset if even a small deviation from these patterns occurs. Along with odd, stiff, or exaggerated body language, individuals with autism may also struggle with coordination, have unique movement patterns like clumsiness or walking on their toes, and experience difficulty with balance. These people may lose themselves in minute object features, like the toy car’s spinning wheels, but are incapable of understanding.
Some kids with autism spectrum condition get better at interacting with others as they get older and exhibit fewer behavioral difficulties. Eventually, some people — typically those with the fewest severe issues — might have normal or nearly normal lives. Others, however, still struggle with language or social abilities, and adolescence can exacerbate their emotional and behavioral issues.
When Should an Autistic Child be Shown to a Doctor?
Babies mature at their own rate, and many do not follow the precise dates suggested in certain parenting manuals. But before they turn two years old, children with autism spectrum disorder typically exhibit some indicators of impaired development.
Consult doctors at specialty public healthcare institutions if you are worried about your child’s development or believe they may have autism spectrum disorder. Other developmental disorders may have similarities with the disorder’s symptoms.
Early in a child’s development, when there are glaring deficits in their ability to communicate and interact with others, autism spectrum disorder symptoms frequently show up. If your child does not respond with a smile or pleased expression by age six, your doctor may suggest developmental tests to see whether your child has cognitive, language, or social ability impairments.
Health Research Institutes Latest Findings on Autism
Doctors, researchers, and scientists at research health institutes such as I3TK consider autism spectrum disorder as a neurobiological condition afflicting an individual. This condition impacts the sensory processing, communication, and social interactions of the affected individual. Though recent studies have resulted in an advanced understanding of autism, it is still a work in progress as far as factors that influence the neurotype are concerned.
