Signs of Autism in Young Children

Spotting the signs of autism in young children is a critical step for parents. Since experts estimate that between three and six children out of every 1000 will have autism, it is critical for all parents to spot the developing signs in their children.

Environments for autistic kids

The signs of autism may be broken down into three categories:

• Repetitive behaviors or narrow and/or obsessive interests
• Difficulties with social situations and interactions
• Verbal and nonverbal communication problems

The range of severity of these signs may be very mild or disabling to the child. These problems may be visible even as the child is quite young. Some parents are able to spot problems with their child as young as infancy, such as when a baby is unresponsive to people. Yet, in other conditions, the child will seem to develop normally and then will begin to withdraw and become unable to interact with others socially.

The following are some of the most common ways to spot potential autism in young children.

• Lack of Response: When the parent calls their name, the child does not respond. Even though the child hears the parent, they do not turn to engage the parent.

• Avoidance of Eye Contact: Many children with autism will not make eye contact with other people, including their parents. Direct eye contact may make them uncomfortable.

• Unable to Read Other's Feelings: One of the telltale signs of autism is the inability to read and understand the signs of other people's feelings or to understand what others are thinking about. Because these children do not understand social cues, they are often unable to comprehend implications during conversations. They may not understand what tears mean or what a smile means, for example.

• Repetitive Movements: When movements are repetitive, such as twirling or rocking, this could be a sign of autism. These children do not repeat the action two or three times, as if playing a game. Rather, they may spend a long period of time repeating the motion. In some cases, this can escalate to self-abusive behavior such as biting or banging their head.

• Sensitivity to Surroundings: Interestingly, young children with autism may seem to have reduced sensitivity to pain but they may have an over sensitivity to touch or sound. They may hide when there are loud noises or they react poorly when someone hugs them. They may not want anyone to touch them.

It is important to note that since young children do not go to school yet, learning disabilities and other characteristics of setbacks in their knowledge may not be as easily visible as it is in slightly older children. Therefore, it is often necessary to spot the small changes in the way the child interacts and plays to spot autism.

The signs of autism in young children can be hard to notice even by parents who spend all day with their children. The following are some red flags parents should look for. If you spot these conditions in your young children, (even babies) speak to your child's pediatrician about the condition.

• The child lacks appropriate eye gaze
• The child does not like to share what makes them happy or what interests them
• There is a lack of response to the child's name
• The child displays a lack of joyful expressions
• Repetitive movements using objects are displayed
• Repetitive movements using their body, arms, fingers, or hands is seen
• Communication seems to have an unusual element to it, such as irregular rhythm or pitch
• The child does not use gestures, such as pointing, when communicating
• Nonverbal communication is lacking

Their doctor should evaluate a child that displays any of these red flags for autism. If the red flag seems to be severe, it is very important for parents to utilize the help of health care providers. If a parent wishes to have extensive testing, the use of an autism specialist in evaluation is a good step.

• Preschool Activities for Autistic Children
• Possible Causes of Autism
• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• What Is Your Autism Empathy Rating?

• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

• Autistic Toddlers
• Autism in Toddlers
• Physical Characteristics of Children with Autism
• Main Page
• Category:Autism and Children