Symptoms of autism often overlap with those of other conditions, such as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which can complicate the diagnostic process. Challenges like speech delays and comorbid conditions further increase the risk of misdiagnosis. Understanding the intent behind the questions asked by psychologists and psychiatrists during evaluations is crucial. By closely observing our child’s behavior at home, we can identify many symptoms, which can assist in achieving a more accurate diagnosis.
Table of Contents
Common Autism Symptoms that Parents should notice
1. Not respond to their name
If the child does not respond to his name, it can be a big sign of autism. Different ways of drawing the child’s attention can be tried to understand this.
2. Lack of eye contact
Children affected by autism usually do not talk while looking into the eyes. This is a common symptom that can be improved through various activities.
3. Repetitive behaviour
Waving hands, constant jumping, hand-flapping, repeating words or actions, and biting and chewing on objects are common behaviors associated with autism. Children with autism often engage in repetitive actions such as hand-flapping, spinning, or arranging objects in a specific order. They are also fascinated by moving objects, such as spinning fans or the wheels of toy vehicles. It is important to understand these behaviors and guide them in the right direction.
4. Abnormalities in Sensory Sensitivities
Children affected by autism can often be very Hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sound, light, or touch. Providing them with a comfortable environment and arranging things accordingly can be helpful. 90% of children with autism have sensory challenges, such as discomfort with a specific food, fabric, or sound. Addressing this and providing the right support is beneficial.
5. Lack of joint attention
Joint attention refers to the shared focus of two individuals (usually a child and an adult) on an object, activity, or task. It is a fundamental skill for communication and social interaction. Although joint attention is often underdeveloped in children with autism, it is crucial for their progress to an advanced level of learning.
6. Difficulty in speech and language
Some children face delays in speech, while regression of linguistic abilities can be seen in some. Teaching functional communication helps solve this problem.
7. Managing anger and self-injury
The child displays self-injurious behavior (such as head-banging, and biting). Some children find it difficult to express their anger, which can lead them to tantrums or self-injury (such as headbanging). A positive approach and the right communication tools are important.
8. Hyperactivity
Autistic children cannot sit still in one place; they run around all day. They keep jumping and hopping all the time, and they might even jump from any spot.
9. Focus on social and behavioral development
Teaching children basic manners like “hello,” “thank you,” and “sorry” can promote their social development. Children with autism find it difficult to understand the feelings of others. Continuous efforts are required to teach them social interactions in the right way.
10. Difficulty with minor routine change
Children do not accept change easily. Pre-determined routines and predictable activities can help ease the transition.
11. Lack of risk recognition
Children with autism have a poor risk perception. It is important to sensitize them slowly.
12. Focus on motor and play behavior
If the child is climbing furniture or playing in a strange way, it is important to guide him correctly. Creative activities can channelize his energy in the right direction.
13. Communication issues
The child is not able to communicate his needs (such as lack of pointing or gestures). Autistic children do not quickly learn gestures like bye-bye, namaste, tap tap, blink eyes, touch body parts, eyes, nose, etc. If you ask them to copy any of your gestures, they will not be able to do it. But with routine practice, these children learn the gestures.
14. Toe walking
Toe walking is a symptom often observed in autism, where children walk on their toes without letting their heels touch the ground. This behavior may stem from sensory issues, muscle tightness, or a habitual pattern seen in autistic children.
15. Gastrointestinal issues
Stomach problems are common in autistic children, such as constipation, acidity, or other digestive problems. This may affect their eating habits. Autistic children sometimes have gluten and casein sensitivity. When they eat gluten and casein mixed food, they face problems like tummy pain, constipation, diarrhea, etc.
16. Sleep issues
Autistic children often experience sleep issues, which are common among them. Many autistic children stay awake at night and find it difficult to fall asleep. This is a common symptom observed in autistic kids.
17. Stereotype behavior
Autistic children often move their eyes to the corners and view things from the side, which is referred to as stereotypical behavior. Some children also rotate their eyes in circular motions while looking from the side. This behavior is also considered a sign of autism.
18. Place toys in line
Autistic children often enjoy arranging toys in a straight line and prefer playing in the same repetitive way.
19. Not imitate parents action
The first step is for your child to imitate or copy. This can include actions, household tasks, or even verbal sounds. Start with simple tasks like copying mom sweeping the floor or picking up a spill. Children often begin by imitating what they see around them at home. Focus on imitation, as it’s an important foundation for understanding and learning.
20. Picky eaters or excessive eating habits
Autistic children are often picky eaters or excessive eaters, and there may be several reasons behind this. It may be related to their sensory, behavioral, and developmental issues. Many autistic children have sensitivity to smells, tastes, textures, and temperatures. Some children have trouble recognizing internal cues, such as hunger or fullness.
Practical Tips for Parents
1. Adopt a positive and patient approach
Patience and love are the biggest tools to understand children’s behavior and teach them the right way.
2. Complexity of autism: Overlap of symptoms
The symptoms of autism can overlap with many other disorders, making diagnosis a complex process. It is very important to recognize the behavioral and developmental symptoms of children.
3. Importance of early diagnosis
Early identification and early intervention can make a big difference in the progress of children. There are examples of children who have made significant improvements by getting the right help at the right time.
4. Calming environment at home
- The home environment is best for observation.
- Work on the child’s social and communication skills:
- Teach Hello, thankyou, welcome and Goodbye.
- Practice pointing and basic gesture through pictures and objects recognition.
Conclusion
To manage such behaviors in autistic children, therapies like Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration Therapy, Speech Therapy, and ABA (applied behavior analysis) Therapy are commonly used. Additionally, certain labeled and non-labeled medications, such as FDA-approved drugs like Risperidone and Aripiprazole, are prescribed by pediatric neurologists and other specialists. All these treatments should be taken strictly under the guidance and supervision of a qualified doctor. It is important for parents to understand the symptoms of autism and address them on time. Early intervention can improve the quality of life of children. By paying attention to these symptoms, parents and caregivers can understand the needs of children better and help them move towards a healthy and positive life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are autistic children picky eaters?
Autistic children are often either picky eaters or excessive eaters, and several factors could contribute to this behavior. It is often linked to their sensory, behavioral, or developmental challenges. Many autistic children are sensitive to smells, tastes, textures, and temperatures. For example, some foods may seem too bitter, pungent, or sticky for them. These children tend to prefer foods that align with their sensory preferences, such as crispy, soft, or plain foods. Additionally, many children develop likes or dislikes based on the color, shape, or presentation of food. If the appearance of a familiar food changes, they may refuse to eat it.
Why are autistic children having excessive eating habits?
Autistic children are often either picky eaters or excessive eaters, and several factors may contribute to this behavior. These challenges can be linked to sensory sensitivities, behavioral patterns, or developmental issues. Some children may struggle to recognize internal cues, such as hunger or fullness, leading them to continue eating without realizing they are full. Additionally, this behavior might stem from stress, anxiety, or boredom.