Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects how a person’s brain functions. There are different signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) like social communication, interaction, and behaviour.
People with ASD may experience difficulties in socializing, have restricted or repetitive behaviours, and may approach learning, movement, or attention in unique ways. Some people with ASD may show similar traits. but these characteristics can be challenging for those with ASD and they impact their everyday lives.
Recognizing these signs early can help you with the support your dear one needs to manage autism and overcome its challenges.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Here are the signs and symptoms of autism as per a child’s age:
Autism symptoms at 3 months
- Unable to make eye contact
- Not following moving things
- Not trying to pay any heed to new faces
Autism symptoms at 7 months
- Not trying to laugh or smile
- Not making sounds or babbling
- Not trying to touch various objects
- Not responding to when they are held or becoming very rigid
- Not showing love for the parent and caregiver
Autism symptoms at 12 months
- Not responding when their names are called
- Not pointing toward objects or persons
- Not enjoying the presence of other children
- Not clapping their hands
- Has not uttered any word
Autism symptoms in children between 18 and 24 months
- Delayed speech or inability to speak properly
- Repeated behaviour or spinning the wheel of the toy repeatedly
- Not responding to their name
- Stop reaching developmental milestones like saying 3 or more words, imitating actions, or drinking from a cup without spilling.
- Not pointing to things or objects around them
- Not able to walk properly or walking on toes
- Not speaking or not attempting to communicate vocally
- Not able to follow simple instructions
- Not imitating simple action
- Not engaging in back-and-forth conversations
Autism symptoms in children above 2 years
- Not establishing eye contact
- Lacking facial expressions
- Speaking in a flat manner
- Not responding to questions directly
- Liking a strict daily schedule and getting upset when it is not followed
- Lining toys and objects in a particular way
- Showing a strong interest in a specific object
Autism symptoms in older children
- Not understanding what others are feeling and thinking
- Taking things literally means they may take it seriously when you say “break a leg.”
- Not able to express their feelings and emotions
- Getting upset if you ask them to do something
- Talking at others or repeating phrases
- Having an interest in certain subjects or activities
- Finding it difficult to make friends and socialize
These are the common symptoms that can be seen in autistic children. The symptoms may be different in boys and girls. Mostly because girls may hide some signs of autism by imitating how other children behave. They may withdraw in situations that they find difficult. Also, they are good at handling social situations.
Autism symptoms in adults
- Difficulty understanding social cue
- Not establishing eye contact
- Communication difficulties
- Strong sense of justice but confused with grey areas
- Difficulty in imagining situations or experiences that they have never had
- Prefer solitude instead of spending time with friends
- Sensitive to light, sounds, and smells
Takeaway
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of autism at different ages can be helpful for you as a parent, caregiver, and educator in providing early support and appropriate interventions. The effects of autism will be different in different individuals, and understanding the common developmental patterns can help you ensure your child receives the guidance they need to be independent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What are the five common signs of autism?
A. The five common signs of autism are:
- Not understanding what others thinking or feeling
- Finding it hard to say how they feel
- Anxious about social situations
- Finding it hard to make friends
- Seeming blunt, rude, or not interested in others without meaning to
Q2. Is autism curable?
A. Autism is not curable. But with the advancement in medical sciences and treatment options like stem cell therapy and combination therapy, your child can live a self-reliant fulfilling life.
Q3. How can we identify autism?
A. You will be able to understand that a child has autism if they have issues like problems with social skills, communication, eye contact, repetitive behaviour, intense reactions, and very specific interests.
Q4. How to spot autism in babies?
A. You can spot autism in babies if they don’t smile, don’t make eye contact, don’t respond when you call them by their names, and have no reaction to sounds or overreact to sounds.
Q5. How to spot autism in girls?
A. Girls with autism may have heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights, smells, and textures. They may mask their autism by imitating others, forcing eye contact, or handling social situations like others. They may respond to their condition internally which may result in anxiety or depression.
Q6. How does a child with autism behave?
A. They may behave unusually. They may express emotions that don’t match the situation. They may be over-sensitive to light, sound, and smells. They may have difficulty making friends and communicating with people.
Q7. What are the conditions associated with autism?
A. The conditions associated with autism are behavioural conditions like self-injury and difficulty sleeping, mental health conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression, physical conditions like epilepsy and digestive issues, genetic conditions like Down Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome, and macrocephaly, a condition where a person’s head circumference is larger than normal.
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/signs/children/
- https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/understanding-autism-basics
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928
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Author’s Bio:
Dr. Khushbu Jain is a dedicated professional with a passion for advancing healthcare through cutting-edge treatments. She has a special interest in researching regenerative medicine and advanced treatment for diseases that are difficult to treat with conventional treatment options. Her deep understanding of these progressive treatments allows her to offer patients personalized and effective solutions for a variety of health concerns.
