Autism Spectrum Disorder for Children.
As a parent, you only ever want the best for your child. Having the best means ensuring that when you have concerns about your child and their development, you get the answers and diagnosis they need to gain that support. Understanding your child is your priority, and when you have concerns about Autism Spectrum Disorder for Children, this guide will be a helping hand to decipher all of the different terms you may hear.
Autism itself is not one specific disorder: it’s a spectrum and the range of disorders on this spectrum share symptoms. Those who sit on the spectrum often struggle with social interaction, communication, flexibility in their behavior and empathy for others. How severe the symptoms are depends on the level of disability, and two children with the same diagnosis can also look very different in their behavior.
The important thing for parents to remember when their child is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder for Children is that their child is unique, and there is no label out there that can tell you the issues that your child may have to handle as they grow.
Finding the right treatment and experts that addresses the individual needs of your child is the most important thing to remember here. If your child is having symptoms, you can start getting help for them now.
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder for Children
As we said, Autism Spectrum Disorder for Children is a collection of symptoms and the disorder itself is based on the presence of more than one symptom that disrupts the person’s ability to communicate, form relationships, play, learn and continue to explore. Here are some of the symptoms to be aware of:
Social Behavior
Children on the autism spectrum find it difficult to interact with others and any basic interaction with others is often stunted. Some of the symptoms to look out for include:
• Unusual body language and facial expressions that do not match their emotions/speech
• Avoiding eye contact
• Difficulty with understanding non-verbal cues and reactions
• Won’t approach others to pursue social interaction
• Prefers to be alone
• Issues making friends
Speech & Language
Those suspected of being on the Autism Spectrum Disorder for Children often struggle with their speech and language. Some children who are simply late talkers are often mistaken for being on the spectrum, which is why the other symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder for Children need to be present to confirm a diagnosis. Speech and language symptoms may include:
• Delays in learning to speak (aged 2+)/doesn’t speak at all
• No indication of comprehension when being spoken to
• Does Not follow direction
• Speaks with an odd rhythm/pitch
• Repeating words but not in conversational context
• Trouble continuing/starting conversations
• Cannot communicate needs well
• Does Not comprehend simple questions
• Misses humor/sarcastic cues
Behavior & Movement
If your child is assessed for Autism Spectrum Disorder for Children, they may be restricted/rigid in their movement, interests and activities. You may notice:
• Flapping hands, rocking, spinning
• Obsessive over objects
• Preoccupied with a specific topic of interest. EG: some children spend time lining up their toys over and over
• Cannot handle routine/environment changes.
• Clumsiness, odd posture
• Prefers the moving pieces of an object over the actual object.
• Extreme reactions to certain sounds/textures
How Do Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Play?
Your child may be less spontaneous and willing to dive in compared to other children. Most children who are eager to play are curious, pointing to things that they want, where children on the spectrum appear disinterested to the world around them. They may struggle with functional play time, or they may have issues with using toys for their truly intended use – cooking sets for play cooking may be used to wrestle or “drive” with cars.
Children on the spectrum often display sensory issues with an under or over reaction to certain stimuli. Sometimes, they may ignore those talking to them and appear deaf, but then loud noises like hand dryers and ringing telephones can be jarring and disruptive to their peace. They may also struggle with certain textures and touches, too, cringing at a pat on the back. Some children display emotional difficulties, too, finding it hard to regulate their emotions and find it difficult to express themselves.
Getting that diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder for Children may feel like a difficult and hard road, but it’s one that people feel relief when it’s over. It can take two to three years to get a firm diagnosis and it takes that long to avoid incorrectly labelling or diagnosing Autism Spectrum disorder for Children.