Autism symptoms can be hard to diagnose as autism itself covers a wide spectrum of symptoms. It is a neurological disorder that affects the way a person interprets the things around them. It effects them on a behavioural, social and communicative level. Sometimes the first symptoms are visible right after birth, but it most cases it takes till the ages 1-2 for it to become more evident. Though there are different levels of autism, there are some common traits or a checklist of symptoms to be aware of in your developing child.
Here is a brief autism symptoms checklist of the most common traits.
Impairment of social interaction. Simply put the child has problems interacting with those around them. They often have marked delays in the use of non-verbal behaviour or body language such as eye to eye contact, facial expressions ( they often look at the world around them with a blank expression), body posture and gestures regularly used in social interactions. They may also have delays or inability to develop peer relationships appropriate for their age or mental development level. As a young child they also do not seek to share enjoyment with others. While other children will take you by the hand to show and share their accomplishments the autistic child lacks this.
Impairments or delays in their communications skills.The autistic child will often lack or have a delay in their language skills. This is not accompanied by them making up for their lack of speech with hand gestures or other ways of communicating. They also tend to have an impairment in being able to hold a conversation or start a conversation with another person. Characteristics of autism can also include a repetitive use of language ( only saying certain phrases).
Repetitive and stereotyped behaviours. Characteristic of autism is a preoccupation of specific interests. For example that of an obsessive compulsive disorder. The autistic child is also inflexible in schedule. Little changes in routine cause an autistic child extreme distress. Their routine is very specific in its rituals and timing.
Delays in at least one of the following areas. If any or all of the following are present you may have an autistic child ( onset prior to age 3). Delays in social interactions, language used in social interactions and or lack of imaginative play.
This is just a brief autism symptoms checklist, if you child displays a large number of these it is imperative that you follow up with a doctor. Early intervention is the best possible way to prevent or minimize the impairment your child may have from autism. You as the parent are your child best advocate.
