Admin
April 7, 2022

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to complicated conditions characterized by problems with communication, skills and behavior. It can involve a wide range of symptoms and can be simply a minor problem or a disability that needs full-time care.

 

The cause of autism isn’t exactly clear, but it could stem from problems in parts of the brain which interprets sensory input and process language. 

 

Regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or social background, autism can happen to anyone. But there are known risk factors that may cause autism:

 

• It is hereditary. Autism runs in families. 

 

• Pregnant women who are exposed to certain drugs or chemicals. 

 

 

In line with Autism Awareness month, how does one spot autism, especially at a young age? Here are the common autism signs in children: 

 

1. 1. By 6 Months:

 

 

•        • Few or no big smiles, or no engaging expressions

 

•        • Limited or no eye contact

 

 

2. 2. By 9 Months:

 

 

•        • Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles and other facial expressions

 

 

3. 3. By 12 Months:

 

 

•        • Little or no babbling

 

•        • Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as reaching, waving or poiting

 

•        • Little or does not respond to his or her name

 

 

4. 4. By 16 Months:

 

 

•        • Very few or no words at all

 

 

5. 5. By 24 Months:

 

 

•        • Very few or no meaningful phrases

 

 

6. 6. At Any Age:

 

 

•        • Loss of previously gained social and speech skills

 

•        • Avoidance of eye contact

 

•        • Prefers to be alone

 

•        • Does not or has difficulty in understanding other people’s feelings

 

•        • Delayed language development

 

•        • Persistent repetition of phrases or words

 

•        • Is uncomfortable with minor changes in routines or surroundings

 

•        • Repetitive behaviors

 

•        • Restricted interests

 

•        • Unusual and intense reactions to sound, smell, taste, texture, lights and/or colors

 

 

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Apart from the autism signs clear during early ages in children, it must be remembered that the core symptoms of autism are social communication challenges and restricted, repetitive behaviors. These symptoms usually begin in early childhood, though sometimes are unrecognized, and may persist and interfere with your child’s daily living. 

 

In detail here are the autism symptoms one should know:

 

1. 1. Social communication challenges

 

Children and even adults with autism have difficulty in communicating verbally and non-verbally. Specifically, they may not respond or show:

 

• • Spoken & understandable language

 

• • Gestures

 

• • Eye contact

 

• • Facial expressions

 

• • Tone of voice

 

 

They may also have difficulty with:

 

• • Recognizing emotions and intentions in others

 

• • Recognizing their own emotions

 

• • Expressing their emotions

 

• • Seeking emotional comfort from others

 

• • Feeling overwhelmed in social situations

 

• • Taking turns in conversations

 

• • Understanding personal space

 

 

2. 2. Restricted and repetitive behaviors

 

Restricted and repetitive behaviors vary in the autism spectrum. They can include:

• • Repetitive body movements and mannerisms (e.g. rocking, flapping, spinning, running back and forth)

 

• • Repetitive motions with objects (e.g. spinning wheels, shaking sticks, fidgeting)

 

• • Staring at lights or spinning objects

 

• • Ritualistic behaviors (e.g. lining up objects, repeatedly touching objects in a set order)

 

• • Narrow or intense interests in specific topics

 

• • Need for a consistent routine or resists change 

 

 

If you observe the said autism signs and symptoms in your children, it is important to have them checked by a doctor. An early diagnosis can make a vast difference in a child with autism and their family’s. 

 

So when you are unsure and in doubt, it is best to schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor to know his or her diagnosis, and know how to move forward. 

 

Children diagnosed with autism are usually recommended to attend therapy, but therapy can be costly. Fortunately, there are risk-free therapies parents themselves can provide their children with little cost. While it is still important for children with autism to attend therapy conducted by a professional, it is also good to have their parents provide these activities to their own children. It is also an opportunity to establish a healthy relationship and bond with your child. 

 

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You can start with having play therapy wherein the goal is to build social interaction and communication skills with your child. You can have sensory activities which can enhance your child’s ability to engage in activities and symbolic play. Or you also do simple speech therapy activities like reading them short stories, teaching them facial expressions and teaching the essential words like “please” and “thank you”. 

 

While we consider Autism as a disability, many people with autism are discriminated against because of the lack of understanding and awareness of autism.

 

There is still so much stigma around autism and it is important for us to break it. People with autism may be challenged, but they should not be treated any less than any other individual. 

 

Breaking the stigma starts within the family. In raising an autistic child it is important to remember that you are accepting them and giving them the love any child should get. 

 

 

You got this, mommies!

 

Sources: autismspeask.org, autismawareness.com, autismparentingmagazine.com, freepik.com