Autism is a neurological condition that often causes difficulties with social interaction and communication. It affects millions of people around the country and is commonly diagnosed in childhood. As a parent, it is very important to know the common signs of autism in children. Why?
Why learn the signs of autism in children?
Knowing what to look for is crucial as a parent because it enables you to find the right treatment for your child while they are still young. This condition will affect them their whole lives, so it is really beneficial if they receive support from an early age.
Thankfully, there are lots of programs for autism that help children cope with this condition. Getting treatment can improve their quality of life, while untreated children struggle.
Keeping that in mind, here are a few things to keep an eye on in your kids:
Common signs include a lack of eye contact
Have you noticed that your child has trouble looking you or anybody else in the eye? This is a sign of autism at any age, but it is definitely very prevalent in children under the age of 6 months.
It’s one of the earliest signs you can spot, but it won’t always mean your child definitely has autism. For example, it could indicate low self-esteem or another mental health issue. Be sure to look for other signs as well.
Difficulty speaking
Does your child have difficulty forming words when other kids their age are doing it with relative ease? They might babble or make no sense, and they also struggle with social skills.
If so, this could be a sign of autism. It is very common for young children and babies to struggle to develop speech when they have this condition.
A lack of social skills is another frequent sign
When your child is a bit older, you may notice they lack some obvious social skills. For instance, they don’t respond to their name, they don’t understand your tone of voice when you’re maybe happy or upset, and they prefer to be alone most of the time.
Difficulty in social situations is a hallmark of autism so it isn’t one to ignore. This point is particularly true if other signs also persist.
Repetitive behaviors
Another very common sign of autism in kids is the presence of persistent and repetitive behaviors. Your child may have to do the same things over and over again before they leave a room.
Or, you notice they repeat the same phrases. Or, instead, they constantly rock back and forth or click their fingers.
Often, these behaviors coincide with a resistance to change. If you try to stop them from doing these things, they get very upset very quickly. Likewise, any type of change in their life, no matter how small, is seen as a major issue and they will be very distraught with it.
Takeaway on learning the signs of autism in children
If all of these signs present themselves together, there’s a high chance your child has autism. If so, it’s important to see a doctor and get a proper diagnosis so they can start treatment.
Kids can grow up with autism to enjoy long and full lives. It’s not a condition that has to define them negatively over the years. With the right treatment, they learn to live with it and become the best versions of themselves!
HI Christy, I have come across a few high functioning autistic children and a few that are lower functioning too during my sons school career. It is not easy for parents to deal with autistic children and some can be quite aggressive. This is a good article to help parents spot this condition early on.
There’s a lot to keep an eye out for when kids are growing up!
Thank you, Christy, for sharing the signs of autism in children so that the parents can get the support and help they need to help their children have a fuller life.
And a full life is what families deserve xo Thanks, Linnea