‘Is my child showing some autism symptoms?”
As a parent, it’s almost exciting to follow your child’s developmental milestones. So it’s natural to be concerned when your child isn’t developing at the same age as their colleagues; you may even worry that your child may be showing some autism symptoms. While normally, it’s not much to be worried about – after all children develop at a different rate but if it takes longer than expected, then it’s natural to worry that your child may be on the autism spectrum and may be showing some autism symptoms.
Approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to 2020 data. Early diagnosis is essential to ensuring your child gets the best quality of life, so being aware of its symptoms can help you seek the necessary support and interventions for your child. In this blog, we will discuss some of the symptoms an autistic child may have and provide valuable insights for parents like you who may have concerns about their children’s health and development.
What is Autism?
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent challenges in social interaction, communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. It affects individuals across various levels of functioning, from mild to severe. Autism is typically identified in early childhood, and early intervention can significantly improve the quality of life of children with this condition.
Autism Symptoms To Be Concerned About
Not knowing if your child is on the spectrum can be extremely distressing. Recognizing early signs and red flags can help parents catch and manage this condition so their children can still enjoy a good quality of life. While this isn’t the case for every child, there are common autism symptoms that you can watch out for. Here are some vital early signs:
Lack of Eye Contact
Some children with autism may have difficulty establishing and maintaining eye contact. They may avoid eye contact altogether or have limited eye contact during interactions.
Delayed Speech and Language Development
Delayed speech and language development is a typical symptom that indicates that your child may be on the spectrum. You may need to contact your health professional if you notice a delay in your child reaching language milestones, such as babbling, speaking single words, or combining words into phrases.
Repetitive Behaviors and Fixations
Repetitive behaviors, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects, are often observed in children with autism. They may also develop fixations on specific objects or topics, showing intense interest and engagement.
Repetitive Behaviors and Fixations
Many children with autism experience sensory sensitivities. They may be hypersensitive to specific sensory triggers like touch, sound, taste, or smell. More often than not, these sensory triggers can cause distress or avoidance behaviors.
The symptoms shared above are some of the significant symptoms you may notice. Other symptoms may reflect difficulty with peer relationships, limited social communication with other children or adults, and challenges understanding and managing their emotions.
What to do when you notice these symptoms
Begin by consulting with your child’s pediatrician or developmental specialist. Usually, the wait time to see an expert can range from months to years. An alternative will be to get a fast diagnosis with ASD.me. With early intervention, you can ensure your child receives the proper support they need to thrive. On ASD.me, you get to speak with state-licensed neuropsychologists, get answers to your concerns and give your child the support they need to succeed.
Remember that these are just indications; to be sure, get an accurate diagnosis from a licensed medical practitioner or visit www.asd.me.
More information and resources
You can learn more about the early signs of the spectrum disorder and how to understand what it will mean for you and your family here: