Identify a Kid Who Is Suffering From Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects the way people communicate, interact or behave with other people. Experts do not know yet what causes this neurodevelopmental disorder. However, most scientists believe that it is caused by genetic or environmental factors. Some children may have mild and some may have very severe ASD symptoms.
Children that suffer from autism, start showing signs as young as a few months old. However, some children have normal development for a few months or years and then they start showing symptoms. Most parents notice issues by the time their child reaches 2 years old. Children with autism will have symptoms throughout their lives but they start getting better as they get older.
- Delayed speech and language skills
- Talking in flat, robotic, or sing-song like voice
- Repeating the same phrase over and over (Echolalia)
- Have problems with pronouns (e.g. saying “you” instead of “I,”)
- Do not use common gestures like pointing or waving and also do not respond to them
- Lack of ability to stay on topic when talking or answering questions
- Does not recognize sarcasm or jokes
- The child does not respond to his/her name when he/she is 12 to 18 months old.
- Not interested in playing, sharing, or talking with others
- Prefers to be alone
- Doesn’t seem to hear when others talk to him or her
- Avoids physical contact
These are some of the common symptoms related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). If parents see any kind of aforementioned signs or symptoms in a child, then they should make an appointment with a pediatrician right away. Identifying these symptoms early is crucial in the timely treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
