Symptoms of Mild Autism

Symptoms of mild autism typically develop before the age of three years. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to ensure the best possible future for mildly autistic children and adults.

Some symptoms of autism may be difficult to diagnose.

Autism is a life-long condition characterized by impairment in three areas: communication, social interaction, and behavior. In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report estimating that autism affects 1 in 150 children to varying degrees. Symptoms can range in severity from mild to disabling, and most people with autism require support and special services throughout life.

There is no known single cause of autism, although some experts believe the disorder may have a genetic basis. Others maintain that the conditions stem from environmental causes. Many believe a combination of a genetic predisposition and environmental conditions that cause the disorders.

Many kids exhibit symptoms of mild autism when they are young. While most children grow out of these symptoms, autistic impairments and behavior abnormalities generally become more obvious with time. Severe forms of autism may involve difficulties in all areas of functioning, whereas the mildly autistic may have trouble in only a few areas.

Some symptoms of autism include:

• Social Skills Impairment: Difficulty starting or participating in conversations, avoidance of eye contact
• Obsessive Interests: Narrow range of interests, incessant talk about and preoccupation with hobbies
• Communication Deficits: Delays in verbal and non-verbal communication, unusual speech patters, repetitive language
• Sensory Processing Issues: Under or over responsiveness to stimulation, difficulty accepting new tastes and textures, dislike of bright lights and loud sounds
• Poor Motor Skills: Problems with fine and gross motor skills, poor handwriting, lack of coordination, clumsiness
• Cognitive and Intellectual Impairment: Lower than average IQ scores, academic difficulties, problems following directions
• Behavioral and Emotional Abnormalities: Agitation, difficulty with controlling emotions, insistence on strict schedules and routines, hand flapping and repetitive behaviors

When a child displays mild symptoms of autism, obtaining a diagnosis is difficult. Many other disorders of childhood may present with similar symptoms, causing diagnostic confusion and a high rate of misdiagnosis. Proper diagnosis is essential to ensure effective and prompt treatment.

Disorders with Symptoms Similar to Mild Autism:

• Deafness is typically the first problem suspected in a mildly autistic child. This is because autistic kids rarely respond normally to sounds and conversations, and most have significant speed delays.
• Seizure disorders may mimic the symptoms of autism or may occur along with autism.
• Other neurological disorders may cause impaired communication, poor motor skills, or cognitive deficits.
• Mental retardation can cause speech delays, abnormal or repetitive behaviors, and social impairment.
• Childhood schizophrenia, while rare, may present with many of the same symptoms as mild autism. However, schizophrenic children typically have higher IQs than autistic children, do not develop symptoms until the age of 5 years, and experience obvious psychotic symptoms.
• Asperger's Syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder that is often confused with autism. While the two disorders exist on the same psychiatric spectrum, there are notable differences between them. Children with Asperger's usually have better language skills and a higher IQ.

Because mild autism is difficult to diagnose, ongoing evaluation is crucial. Doctors and specialists must consider all of the child's symptoms, rule out similar disorders, and evaluate the child's medical and family history. Testing may be extensive, with pediatricians, neurologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other specialists playing a role in the diagnostic process.

Following evaluation by a pediatrician, several key medical tests are ordered to rule out other disorders that may be contributing to the child's symptoms. Not every child needs to undergo every test.

• Hearing tests can indicate the presence of a hearing disorder.
• An electroencephalogram, or EEG, looks for seizure disorders by measuring brain waves and activity.
• Metabolic screening panels check for problems that may cause autism-like symptoms in children.
• MRI or CT scans of the brain look for tumors, brain abnormalities, or other causes of the child's symptoms.
• Genetic testing can identify chromosomal abnormalities.

If medical testing does not identify a medical or genetic cause, observation and measurement of the autistic symptoms by specialists takes place.

• Direct observation of the child's social, emotional, and behavioral symptoms is very useful when making a diagnosis of autism. This type of assessment involves both parent questionnaires and observation of the child under various settings, such as at home, in school, or in a clinic.
• Functional assessments involve interviewing, observing, and interacting with the child in an attempt to understand the cause of specific behaviors.
• Structured and unstructured play based assessments enable specialists to observe the child's cognitive, social, communication, and emotional development in various settings.
• Developmental inventories are types of standardized tests used to measure general developmental skills.
• Intelligence tests look for intellectual deficits or cognitive delays.

Specialists consider the results of all tests and assessments before making a diagnosis.

Any child suspected of having autism should begin treatment immediately to improve prognosis. It is not necessary for testing to finish before intervention can begin. Infants and toddlers suspected of having autism can receive immediate services through a federally funded early intervention program.

Treatment of autistic disorders is with a combination of educational support, behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy. A combination approach ensures that children with symptoms of mild autism receive support in every area. Medication is available to treat seizures, hyperactivity, self-injurious behaviors, sleep disturbances, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, or severe mood swings, when necessary.

Families of autistic children should seek outside help in the form of therapy or support groups to learn coping skills.

With early intervention, mildly autistic children can develop some amount of independence, with many holding jobs or pursuing academic interests. The primary indicator of a positive outcome is minimal deficits in language and intellect.

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• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
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