Being able to spot the early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be crucial for parents. It allows you to figure out a way forward early and give your child the tools and skills they need to be successful in life, and not let their diagnosis hold them back. Here are a few signs to look out for and ways to navigate this and move forward as a parent.
Social Skills
There are three main categories that early signs can fall into, namely, social, behavioral, interests, and others. Within all the categories, these signs can vary and may not always be so clear-cut, but if you need help, a quick search of “autism centers near me” can help you find an expert quickly.
Some social signs to look out for are a lack of eye contact, not joining in with other kids at playtime, inability to show facial emotions, struggles with finding the right one, and not showing the appropriate empathy or concern (for their age) towards someone in distress.
It is important to remember that these signs aren’t a guarantee of ASD, as a very shy or quiet child, for example, may show similar signs. If there is no change for an extended period, then it will be a good idea to seek professional help.
Behaviors and Interests
There are several behaviors to look out for that can help you determine if your child is on the autism spectrum or not. When playing with toys, it is common for children on the spectrum to line up their toys, play with them in the same way repeatedly, or become hyper-focused on one part of a toy, such as a moveable arm or wheel.
Some early ASD signs can also come across as a form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), with children becoming overly upset if you move one toy, or they may have a tantrum or cry if there is a slight deviation from their regular schedule.
Some physical signs may be unusual reactions to different tastes, sounds, and looks. Additional signs include rocking, excessive spinning, or hand flapping, which can be other indications of autism.
Other Signs
A few other signs to look out for don’t necessarily fall into the above sections. A lack of fear, or too much fear, is an unusual but not unheard-of sign of autism in young children, with gastrointestinal issues being another unusual sign.
Once again, these signs can differ significantly from child to child, and if you notice any unusual changes, it is crucial to look beyond the symptoms and take a step further to find out if it could possibly be caused by autism.
Another common sign of autism is an obsession with something in particular; this can be a specific food, TV show, or activity. Repetition of certain words, phrases, or sounds is another common sign of ASD.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
An early autism diagnosis is only a good thing for your child, as it allows for early intervention. This can range from therapy to simple social and speech-building skills. This type of intervention is crucial for helping your child as they get older.
Autism can often delay the development of certain skills; as your child gets older, these delays can start impacting their academic abilities, making friends, etc. The sooner they are on the path to learning how to deal with their diagnosis, the less impact these delays will have.
Girls vs Boys
One issue that many parents need to be aware of is how the signs of autism can drastically differ between girls and boys. Many studies have shown that autism is much harder to detect in girls since they, more often than not, can subconsciously “hide” it better.
Because of this, parents need to be more aware of the signs of autism and not brush even the most minor changes aside. Girls benefit from an early diagnosis just as much as boys do, and not being so obvious with the signs doesn’t mean it isn’t affecting them.
How Parents Can Prepare for an ASD Assessment
If you begin to suspect that your child may be on the autism spectrum, there are a few steps you can take to help the diagnosis procedure. Begin by making a list of behaviors that you suspect to be unusual or “different” from the norm, and keep a close eye on your child to see if these behaviors become repetitive or obsessive.
Once this is done, the next step is to visit a professional. When it comes to ASD, visiting a professional in the field is the only step you should take. They will also be able to give you all the information you need to move forward and put you in touch with any other specialist your child may need to see.
Don’t Miss the Signs
While an autism diagnosis shouldn’t be scary or traumatic in any way, not missing the signs can be life-changing for your child in the long run. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the sooner you can start the journey to helping your child live a complete and fulfilled life and not let their diagnosis determine their future.
Mo Mulla is a work-from-home dad who co-parents 2 beautiful children and blogs all about his lifestyle with smart parenting tips and practical lifestyle hacks!