The early signs of autism include the absence of normal behaviour (not the presence of non-physiological behaviour) and are therefore difficult to detect in time.
In some cases, the early symptoms of autism may be misinterpreted as signs of a 'good baby', as the infant may appear quiet, independent and without any particular 'demands'.
However, you can spot the early warning signs if you know what to look for in the child's behaviour.
Autism: early symptoms in infants and toddlers
The child...
- does not make eye contact (e.g. does not look at the mother when she is breastfeeding)
- he doesn't smile when they smile at him
- does not respond to his or her name, or to the sound of a familiar voice
- does not follow, visually, objects
- does not point, or greet, or use other gestures to
contact - does not follow what you show him with your hand
- does not make noises to get your attention
- does not "challenge" you for, or does not respond to caresses
- does not imitate your movements and facial expressions
- does not raise its arms to you to be held in your arms
- does not play with other people
- does not ask for help for something he cannot do on his own
Autism - CAUTION: The following developmental delays mean the need for an immediate evaluation by your child's pediatrician!
- Up to 6 months: Does not smile "from the heart", or make other warm, happy expressions
- Up to 9 months: Does not exchange sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions
- Up to 1 year: Lack of response to his name. Also no "chatter" no gestures, such as pointing, trying to reach things, or waving to others
- Up to 16 months: He doesn't say words
- Up to 2 years old: Cannot express phrases of at least two words that do not involve imitation or repetition
Autism: early symptoms of autism in older children
As children get older, the signs of autism become more diverse. There are many warning signs, but these usually revolve around reduced social skills, speech and language difficulties, difficulties with non-verbal communication and rigid behaviour.
Autism: symptoms of social difficulties in the child
The child...
- seems to be selfless, or ignorant of other people, or what is going on around him
- doesn't know how to connect with others, play, or make new friends
- prefers not to be touched, held, or hugged
- does not play games with an imaginary scenario, does not like team games, does not imitate others, or does not use his/her toys in creative ways
- has trouble understanding emotions
- does not seem to listen when others speak to him
- does not share his/her interests with others (drawings, games)
Basic social interaction is difficult for children with autism spectrum disorders. Many children with autism seem to prefer to 'live in their own world', distant and detached from others.
Autism: speech symptoms and language difficulties
The child...
- speaks with an abnormal tone of voice, or with a strange rhythm or volume (e.g. ends each sentence as a question)
- repeats the same words or phrases over and over again
- responds to a question by repeating it instead of answering it
- refers to himself in the third person
- uses the language incorrectly (grammatical errors, wrong words)
- has difficulty communicating his or her needs or wishes
- does not understand simple instructions, or questions
- takes what is said too literally (does not understand the nuances of humour, irony and sarcasm)
Children with autism spectrum disorders have difficulty with speech and language. Often, they start talking at an older age than other children.
Autism: the symptoms and difficulties of non-verbal communication
The child...
- avoids direct contact with the eyes
- uses facial expressions that do not match what he or she is saying
- does not perceive facial expressions in other people, as well as their tone of voice and gestures
- makes very few gestures (such as pointing)
- reacts unusually to new sights, smells, textures and sounds. May be particularly sensitive to loud noises
- has an abnormal posture, clumsiness, or an eccentric way of moving (e.g. walks on tiptoe only)
- Children with autism spectrum disorders have trouble understanding subtle verbal cues and using body language. This makes the 'give and take' of social interaction very difficult for them
Autism: other symptoms
The child...
- follows a strict routine (e.g. insists on following a certain route to school)
- has difficulty adjusting to any changes in schedule or environment (e.g., he/she will have a tantrum if furniture is moved around the house or if he/she goes to bed at an unscheduled/different time than usual)
- demonstrates an unusual attachment/dependence to toys, or strange objects, such as keys, light switches, or rubber bands
- frantically puts things in order, or arranges them in a certain way
- seems to be overly concerned with a narrow topic of interest, often related to numbers or symbols (e.g., memorizing and reciting facts about maps, train schedules, or sports statistics)
- spends long periods of time arranging his toys in certain ways, or watching moving objects (like a ceiling fan), or focusing on a particular part of an object (like the wheels of a toy car)
- Children with autism spectrum disorders often have restricted, rigid behaviour, activities and interests
Source: http://www.helpguide.org
Wellness, Rehabilitation Center Thessaloniki
