DivyaDo you suspect that your child might be living with autism? This can be a major concern for any parent. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It affects social communication, behavior, and sensory processing. It is typically diagnosed in early childhood, but the signs of autism can be difficult to identify in young children. Here we look at a guide to understanding how to identify the signs of autism in young children. Keep reading to learn more.
Importance of Identifying Signs of Autism In Young Children:
Early identification and diagnosis of autism can lead to early intervention and support, which can improve outcomes for children with autism.
This is extremely important for children with language, communication, and behavior problems.
How to Identify the Signs of Autism in young children?
Some of the easier ways to identify signs of autism in young children include social communication difficulties. For example, they might display a lack of or delayed speech development. This could include difficulty initiating and sustaining conversation.
They might also repeat words or phrases without understanding their meaning. Or they might not respond to their name or to verbal prompts.
Nonverbal Communication
They might also exhibit difficulty with nonverbal communication. This includes gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact. Your child also might have difficulty understanding social cues and norms.
There are also some restricted and repetitive behaviors to watch for. This includes repetitive motor movements. For example, you might notice hand flapping, spinning, or rocking. They might also insist on sameness and routine. This could result in becoming upset when routines get changed.
You might also notice restricted or fixated interests. They could display an atypical interest in sensory stimuli. This is clear evidence of the need for autism treatment.
Social Interaction
You might also notice certain social interaction difficulties. This can include difficulty in making friends or maintaining friendships. They might have limited interest in playing with others or imaginative play.
It could also include a lack of awareness of other people’s feelings or emotions, or difficulty interpreting social cues and norms.
Here’s a great resource for finding center based ABA services.
Talk to an Autism Specialist
It is important to note that not all children with autism will display all these signs and symptoms. In fact, some children may show symptoms of autism without ever receiving an autism diagnosis.
If you notice any of these signs or other concerns, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider. They can test your child and make a diagnosis based on their symptoms and behavior.
Recognizing Signs of Autism in Young Children
Parents and caregivers should pay close attention to their child’s behavior and development. Look for signs of social communication difficulties. This includes restricted and repetitive behaviors and social interaction difficulties. Being a good observer is the best way to identify the early signs of autism in young children.
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