As a parent, recognizing the early signs of autism in your child can feel overwhelming, but early identification is key to ensuring your child gets the support they need. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects social, communication, and behavioral skills. Knowing the signs and symptoms of autism can help you understand when to seek professional advice and intervention.
In Nepal, AutismCare Nepal Society (ACNS) is leading the way in raising awareness and providing vital resources for parents and children with autism. This guide will walk you through the 20 common signs and symptoms of autism, with insights from ACNS, to help you recognize early indicators in your child.
Autism is a developmental disorder that appears in early childhood and affects how a person communicates, behaves, and interacts with others. The condition varies from mild to severe, which is why it’s called a “spectrum” disorder. Understanding the symptoms early on can significantly improve your child’s developmental outcomes through timely intervention. 20 Signs and Symptoms of Autism
As parents, noticing early signs of autism in your child can be a difficult and emotional process.
However, understanding these signs can help you recognize when your child may need extra support. Here are 20 common signs and symptoms of autism, explained with a focus on what you, as a parent, might observe in your child.
1. Delayed Speech or Lack of Speech
If your child isn’t reaching speech milestones like babbling by 12 months or speaking single words by 16 months it could be a sign of autism. Some children may remain non-verbal, while others speak later but struggle with communication.
2. Limited Eye Contact
You may notice that your child avoids eye contact, even with close family members. This can be one of the earliest signs, as making eye contact is a key way children engage with others.
3. Difficulty Understanding Social Cues
Does your child seem unaware of social signals, like when someone smiles or frowns? Children with autism often have difficulty understanding facial expressions, gestures, or body language, which can make social interactions challenging.
4. Repeating Words or Phrases (Echolalia)
Your child might repeat phrases they’ve heard, even in unrelated situations. For example, they might echo something from a TV show instead of using their own words to communicate.
5. Lack of Interest in Pretend Play
Most children naturally begin to play pretend like feeding a doll or pretending to be a superhero. If your child prefers lining up toys or focusing on parts of objects instead of imaginative play, it might be a sign of autism.
6. Not Responding to Their Name
By around 12 months, most children will turn their head or look toward you when you call their name. If your child seems indifferent or doesn’t respond, it could be an early sign that something is different.
7. Difficulty in Conversations
Does your child struggle to engage in conversations, even with family members? They might have trouble keeping up with the back-and-forth nature of talking, leading to one-sided or incomplete conversations.
8. Unusual Tone of Voice
Parents often notice that their child’s voice sounds different. It might be flat or robotic, or have an unusual rhythm, which can stand out during daily conversations.
9. Strict Adherence to Routine
You might find that your child becomes extremely upset if their daily routine is changed. Whether it’s a different route to school or an unexpected event, children with autism often need predictability to feel secure.
10. Repetitive Movements
Children with autism might engage in repetitive movements like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning. These movements are a way for them to manage sensory input or express their emotions, especially when they’re excited or stressed.
11. Strong Attachment to Specific Objects
Does your child have an unusual attachment to a particular object? It might not just be a favorite toy, but something like a spoon or a piece of clothing, and they may become distressed if it’s not available.
12. Difficulty Imitating Others
Imitation is a big part of how children learn, whether it’s copying a dance move or repeating a funny noise. If your child doesn’t imitate you or others around them, it could delay social and language development.
13. Sensory Sensitivities
Parents often notice that their child is either overly sensitive or not sensitive enough to certain sensory inputs. Your child might cover their ears at loud sounds, refuse certain textures in clothing or food, or, on the other hand, seem indifferent to pain or discomfort.
14. Inflexibility with Rules
If your child becomes very upset when something doesn’t go according to their expectations— like how toys are arranged or how a game is played—it could be a sign of rigid thinking, common in autism.
15. Narrow, Intense Interests
Your child might develop an intense interest in a specific topic or object, like dinosaurs, trains, or even something unexpected, like the mechanics of a washing machine. They may spend hours talking about or engaging with this interest to the exclusion of other activities.
16. Delayed Physical Development
Some children with autism experience delays in motor skills. If your child is slow to crawl, walk, or grasp objects compared to peers, this could be another indicator.
17. Struggles with Group Play
If your child prefers to play alone or has difficulty joining in with other kids, it could be related to challenges with social interaction. Group play often involves understanding others’ intentions and social cues, which may be hard for a child with autism.
18. Unusual Sleeping or Eating Habits
Many parents notice that their child with autism has strong preferences when it comes to food, such as eating only specific textures or colors. Sleep problems, like difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, are also common.
19. Unusual Fear Responses
Your child might show an exaggerated fear of harmless objects or situations, like household appliances, or alternatively, they might not seem to recognize danger, such as running into a street without looking.
20. Self-Injury Behaviors
In some cases, children with autism might engage in self-harm when they are overwhelmed, frustrated, or anxious. Behaviors like head-banging, biting, or hitting themselves are signals that they are struggling to cope with their emotions or surroundings.
Early Detection and Seeking Help
If you notice several of these signs in your child, it’s important to trust your instincts and seek advice from a healthcare professional. Early detection is crucial because it allows you to access interventions that can make a big difference in your child’s development. AutismCare Nepal Society (ACNS) provides resources, screenings, and therapies to help children with autism reach their full potential.
As a parent, you are the best advocate for your child. By recognizing these signs early, you can ensure they receive the support and understanding they need to thrive.
How AutismCare Nepal Society Can Help
AutismCare Nepal Society (ACNS) provides invaluable resources for parents in Nepal, including autism screening, diagnosis, and therapy. Their mission is to raise awareness about autism, offer professional support, and promote an inclusive society for children with autism. They also conduct workshops and provide counseling to help parents better understand and navigate the challenges that come with raising a child with autism.
Final Thoughts for Parents
As a parent, noticing early signs of autism can be challenging, but it’s important to trust your instincts. If you recognize several of the signs mentioned above, consider reaching out to a pediatrician or specialist. Early intervention can make a world of difference for your child’s future, and organizations like AutismCare Nepal Society are here to provide the support and resources you need.
Recognizing the early signs of autism is the first step toward ensuring your child receives the care and support they deserve. You are not alone on this journey, and with the right guidance, your child can thrive.