How To Recognise Autism In Children

Recognising early signs of autism is important as it can get your child the help they need to ensure they reach their full potential despite limitations. Would you know how to recognise autism in children?

What Is Autism?

Autism is a developmental disability that refers to a range of difficulties such as limited social skills, communication problems or learning difficulties. Since it’s a spectrum, it affects everyone differently.

In some cases, autism might impair everyday functioning to the point a child can’t live independently, in others the symptoms might be so subtle a person might never receive a diagnosis.

It can be especially difficult to diagnose autism in girls as it can be mistaken for shyness. It’s estimated that autism affects one in 100 children in the UK. [1]

What Are The Signs Of Autism?

Autistic traits might vary depending on the child. Instead of looking for abnormal behaviour, try paying attention to how your child copes with basic skills.

The early signs include:

• Avoiding eye contact
• Not responding to their name
• Not smiling at the caregiver
• Sensitivity to smells, touch or noise
• Spending time alone
• Speech difficulties (no spoken words by 16 months, no two-word phrases by 24 months)
• Repetitive behaviour such as rocking their body, flapping their hands or spinning in circles
• Getting upset when their routine is interrupted
• Avoiding physical contact
• Not using gestures to communicate

Signs in older children:

• Obsessive interests
• Not playing ‘play-pretend’ games
• Trouble understanding feelings and talking about them
• Trouble making friends and playing with others
• Using repetitive phrases
• Taking what’s said literally and not understanding jokes
• Being unable to interpret other people’s facial expressions and tone of voice
• Behaviour that comes across as robotic – flat speech and not using gestures
• Clumsiness
• Obsession with specific topics, numbers or categories

What To Do If You Suspect Your Child Has Autism?

If you think your child displays symptoms of autism, don’t panic. If symptoms are detected early, they might be reversed or significantly lessened in some cases.

Don’t postpone consulting a specialist and read about autism beforehand to avoid jumping to conclusions.

You can visit your GP who will refer your child for autism screening. Make sure you write down your child’s behaviour and symptoms that worry you to prepare for the appointment.

If you need extra guidance, contact My Family Psychologist for a confidential chat.

References:

[1] Autism Spectrum Disorder