Approximately 1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Unfortunately, most parents don’t know if their children suffer from the disease and what to do about it!
Autism can be diagnosed at the age of two. When it comes to this disorder, early intervention is the best way to support healthy child development. Here are 5 early signs of autism in children that every parent should know.
Language and Speech Difficulties
In most incidences, children with autism start talking late. Those who speak earlier, experience challenges such as odd rhythm, abnormal tone, or unusual pitch. Such a child may not be in a good position to communicate desires or needs.
The child may not understand simple statements and directions. Repeating the same words without communicative intent is a major challenge as well. If your child takes everything said literally, that could be a sign of autism.
Social Difficulties
Children with autism appear disinterested in things or people around them. Such children dislike being cuddled, held, or touched. Interacting with other kids through play or making friends is also a significant problem.
Children may appear deaf if they have autism because they barely respond to their name. Social interaction for these children is quite tricky, so they prefer being detached from others and living in their own world.
Nonverbal Communication Difficulty as a Sign of Autism in Children
You need to take note of clumsiness and abnormal postures in children. A good example is walking on tiptoe most of the time.
If facial expression and words don’t match, that is one of the signs of autism in children. In most cases, the child makes a few gestures. Unusual reaction to sounds, smells, and sights should raise the alarm as well.
Repetitive Behavior
Children with autism find it challenging to adapt to environmental changes. For example, furniture or bedroom rearrangement could be irritating to them. The child also follows a strict routine that never changes.
If you notice that your child has an unusual attachment to various strange objects such as rubber bands and keys, don’t take it lightly. Another sign is watching moving objects for long periods.
Repetitive behaviors in children with autism are dangerous because they tend to soothe rather than stimulate them. Examples of repetitive behaviors are scratching, repeating words, turning lights on and off, and spinning objects. It is advisable to seek respite care for children as soon as you notice signs related to autism.
Extreme Phobia and Anxiety
Children with autism fear spending time alone, so they tend to cry a lot when their parents leave them for a short time. They also fear visitors and strangers. New social situations such as playgrounds seem not comfortable to these children as well.
Some children with autism don’t show fear when they encounter scary situations or objects.
If you notice any of these signs during the development of your child, seek early intervention immediately. Contact us today for more information on autism in children.
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