Symptoms of autism in children

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Extract from the article: Discussing the symptoms of autism in children is essential to understanding the condition. As there are no additional tests to make a diagnosis, such as blood tests or imaging, it is necessary to rely on signs and symptoms.

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Discussing the symptoms of autism in children is essential to understanding the condition. As there are no additional tests to make a diagnosis, such as blood tests or imaging, it is necessary to rely on signs and symptoms.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disorders that share some common characteristics. The causes of these disorders are not known with certainty. Genetic problems have been associated in some cases, but nothing is concrete. Nor can it be said today that any particular factor is the cause.

Furthermore, there are three areas affected by autism: social behaviour, language and communication. Also, patients show repetitive behaviours related to a lack of interest in what is going on around them. The symptoms of autism in children appear before the age of 3. Therefore, it is essentially a developmental disorder. Once they are present, they tend to remain throughout the person's life. Autism Spectrum Disorders are not diagnosed by laboratory tests. Often, the diagnosis is made by elimination

Difficulty communicating, one of the symptoms of autism

Children with autism spectrum disorder have communication problems. They have difficulty interacting with those around them. A distinction is therefore made between verbal and non-verbal autistic people. Some autistic people choose to speak, while the second group is silent, making a few sounds of their own.

The facial expression is also characteristic, rather neutral and without much accompanying gesture. It becomes difficult for the parents to interpret what they are feeling. Some children know their first name perfectly, but do not respond when called. Sometimes adults think that this is related to a hearing problem and consult a speech therapist or an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Other times, children get into the habit of constantly repeating a question, even if they have received a satisfactory answer. In reality, they do not do this to receive an answer, but because it is part of their repetitive behaviour.

Lack of social interaction

The main symptom of autism spectrum disorders is a lack of social interaction. The child seems effectively disconnected from the reality around him or her and is not interested in the environment.

Furthermore, the gaze is quite characteristic. One of the symptoms of autism is not to look into the eyes of the other person, in addition to looking sideways in situations that would involve direct contact. Some of these children do not appreciate gestures of affection, such as hugs. They reject such closeness, even with violent gestures if they feel it is necessary.

The play of children with autism spectrum disorders is solitary. It is very difficult for them to establish play routines with other children. In addition, personal play is repetitive, always in the same way and always with the same toys that they have chosen from the beginning.

Abnormal behaviour

The behaviour of autistic children is strange to those around them. They perform activities that others would not do and assign functions to things that are outside the conventional norm.

The toys they choose have a differential function, and they can play with one part of the toy without using the whole. Of course, the play is repetitive and monotonous.

Swinging is another classic sign of autism. Children move back and forth, on the spot and sometimes for hours. This behaviour can be accompanied by a lost vision in infinity, always in the same direction. On the other hand, changing routines is a real problem. The life of the autistic child is organised around rituals and repetitions that turn into crises at the slightest change. The child may even have violent outbursts.

Paying attention to the signs

If parents are careful to detect the symptoms of autism, and health professionals are able to guide the diagnosis, it will be easier to approach the treatment. It is a chronic condition, but early identification significantly improves the quality of life for families.

William O.

Article validated by Adiel Lotri, Occupational Therapist in Mental Health