What Are Early Signs And Symptoms Of Autism?

Highly trained and experienced providers, diagnose autism using a checklist of criteria. There are multiple approaches to quantify one’s autism severity, including various rating scales and questionnaires measuring autism traits and behaviors. There are many challenges and obstacles one can come across being on the spectrum. Early signs and symptoms of autism can vary, however the two core symptoms of autism are:

– Impairments in social interaction and communication

– The presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors

Many children diagnosed with ASD, have difficulty interacting with others. Early signs and symptoms of autism is easy to miss, keeping a close eye during these months are crucial for the well-being of your child. Research has shown that early intervention can improve a child’s overall development. Children who receive autism-appropriate education and support at key developmental stages are more likely to gain essential social skills and react better in society. Monitoring is an ongoing process of observing your child grow and react to his surroundings. Parents should always seek and discuss any signs they notice in regard to their child’s skills and abilities.  with their doctors. Below are some of the more common symptoms you will notice with children on the spectrum. It is important to note that some people without ASD can have these symptoms as well.

Social interaction/communication challenges:

• Does not respond to name by 9-10 months of age
• Delayed movement skills
• Epilepsy or seizure disorder
• Avoids or does not keep eye contact
• Shows little interest in their surroundings
• Unusual mood or emotional reactions
• Unusual eating and sleeping habits
• Inappropriate use of words in wrong contexts

Restricted and repetitive challenges:

• Stimming
• Flaps hands, finger flicking, rocks back and forth
• Hitting head on objects
• Gets frustrated from the slightest change in their routine
• Playing with the same toy continuously
• Unusual reaction how foods tastes, look, or smell
• Stress
• Overly worried or lack of fear

Check out this great article from Dr. Shaguna Mathur, M.D. for more helpful information. Additionally, you can read more at MedicineNet.

If you would like to discuss the process of getting your child evaluated, please contact our office.