Autism Signs & Diagnosis in Children: What You Need to Know | The Wacky Duo

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects how a person communicates and
interacts with others. It can also cause problems with sensory
processing. 

One of the most common signs of autism is a lack of eye contact. Many children
with autism will avoid making eye contact with others, and will instead focus
on objects or stare off into space. This can be a difficult behavior to
change, as it is often seen as a sign of disinterest or hostility. However,
making eye contact is important for social development, so it is important to
find ways to encourage your child to look at you when you are talking to them.

One way to do this is by encouraging eye contact by using visual aids during a
conversation. For example, you could show pictures or videos while talking to
your child, or use flashcards with images and words. This will help keep their
attention focused on what you are saying. 

2) Repetitive Gestures

Children with autism will exhibit repetitive gestures, such as hand flapping,
rocking back and forth, or spinning around. These behaviors are often seen as
a way to self-soothe or calm down. They can also be a way for children to
communicate their needs or preferences.

If your child is exhibiting repetitive gestures, it is important to understand
why they are doing it. Try to figure out what the gesture means to your child
and see if there is a way to provide them with what they need. You may also
want to talk to your doctor about possible interventions that can help reduce
these behaviors.

3) Trouble With Speech and Language

Children with autism often have trouble with speech and language. In fact,
shocking autism statistics you should be aware of show that around 40% of
children with ASD are non-verbal.  They may have difficulty understanding
what is being said to them and using language appropriately.

It is important to seek help from a speech therapist if you are concerned
about your child’s verbal abilities. A speech therapist can help find ways to
improve your child’s communication skills, as well as teach them alternative
forms of communication such as sign language, assistive technology, and
picture exchange systems. 

4) Difficulty With Social Interaction

It can be difficult for children with autism to interact with others. This is
often due to the fact that they have trouble understanding social cues and
body language. 

Children with autism may not understand that when someone looks away, they are
no longer interested in the conversation. They may also misinterpret facial
expressions or gestures, which can lead to misunderstandings and social
awkwardness. 

In addition, children with autism may not know how to respond to social
situations. They may not know what is expected of them, or they may not know
how to initiate or maintain a conversation.  This can be very frustrating
for both the child and the people around them. It is important to find ways to
help your child learn appropriate social skills. There are many programs and
therapies available that can help teach these skills. With patience and
practice, your child will learn how to successfully interact with others.

5) A Lack Of Interest in Organized Play

In addition to social interactions, children with autism may also lack
interest in playing with toys or engaging in activities like drawing or
building. Children typically enjoy these activities, so it can be concerning
if your child does not show any interest.

It is important to remember that each child has their own preferences and
interests. Try different activities with your child to see what they respond
to. It may also be helpful to talk to your doctor about possible interventions
that can help your child develop a more engaged interest in play. 

6) High or Low Sensitivity 

Many children with autism have heightened or decreased sensitivity to sensory stimuli. This can be very confusing and overwhelming for them. For example, a
child with autism may be hypersensitive to sound and be overwhelmed by the
noise of a busy street. They may also find it difficult to tolerate certain
textures or fabrics. On the other hand, a child with autism may be
under-sensitive to touch and not feel pain when they are injured.

It is important to understand your child’s individual sensitivities and help
them learn how to cope with them. There are many strategies that can help,
such as using noise-canceling headphones for children who are hypersensitive
to sound, or padding hard surfaces for children who are under-sensitive to
touch. 

The Process of Diagnosis

It can be difficult to determine if a child has autism. In order to do so, a
team of specialists will typically evaluate a child to see if they meet the
criteria for an autism diagnosis. There are several signs and symptoms of
autism that doctors look for. These include difficulty with speech and
language, social interaction, and play. Children with autism may also have
heightened or decreased sensitivity to sensory stimuli. 

If a doctor suspects that a child has autism, they will refer the child to a
specialist for further evaluation. The specialist will ask for the parents’
and teachers’ observations of the child, as well as administer various tests
to measure the child’s skills and abilities. 

If the child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis, the specialist will
provide recommendations for treatment and interventions. With early diagnosis
and treatment, many children with autism can make significant progress in
their development.

Autism is a complex disorder that affects each child differently. While some
children exhibit all of the signs and symptoms of autism, others only show a
few. It can be difficult to determine if a child has autism, as it requires
the evaluation of many different areas of their development. 

If you are concerned that your child may have autism, it is important to seek
out professional help. There are many programs and therapies available that
can help your child progress in their development. With early diagnosis and
treatment, most children with autism can make significant progress.