Parenting is typically very challenging, whether you are a new parent or a seasoned one with five children. Each child is different and will react differently to things they experience, creating new challenges and also fun moments.
Individuals raising children are required to closely observe their development, milestones, and unique behaviours. These things will indicate when something is wrong, whether they are simply going through a difficult phase or suffering from a condition, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). When you are able to identify the signs of this disorder, you will be able to help your child during the early stages. Here are 7 common signs of autism spectrum in children.
1. Delayed or Atypical Language Development
Children with autism typically have issues with language. They might take longer to speak, pronounce words, and structure sentences. Babies with autism sometimes do not babble or coo as early as other babies do, taking longer than a year. In some cases, they struggle to form two-word phrases at age 2. In other cases, they learn to speak early but then show a regression in their speech skills. Studies show that 25% of children with autism are nonverbal; meanwhile, others may become advanced in their speech and vocabulary but struggle with conversational nuances.
2. Limited Eye Contact
Studies show that children with autism may have a hard time keeping eye contact while interacting with someone. While this may seem like they may be uninterested in it, they avoid eye contact because it can be overwhelming. They prefer to observe other social cues that feel less distracting than eye contact, such as hands, lips, and facial features.
3. Difficulty Understanding Emotions
While an average person may find it easy to understand the emotions of others, children with autism struggle with interpreting emotions and facial expressions. Despite caring deeply about the person, they may have difficulty understanding and need a clear explanation to grasp the situation. When they are informed, they can empathise and show support.
4. Repetitive Behaviours
Children with autism often spin, do hand-flapping or rock a lot. These are done to express joy or to help them manage sensory. These behaviours are called “stimming.” For instance, children may start spinning in the room when they are happy about something or consistently rock. These are harmless behaviours that are beneficial in helping them to self-regulate. If these behaviours become violent or aggressive, parents can be concerned and seek professional assistance.
5. Intense Focus on Specific Interests
Children with autism often show a deep interest in specific topics and activities. They become “hyperfocused” on what fascinates them, allowing them to dive deep into what they are doing. This can be a double-edged sword because this focus allows them to acquire deep knowledge about anything that intrigues them. However, it can consume their time and make it difficult for them to focus on other activities.
6. Sensitivity to Touch
Children with autism sometimes dislike being physically touched by people around them. Whether it is a hug or a pat on the back, they may show signs of rejection because it can feel overwhelming. For instance, when someone tries to hug them, they might recoil. They may also avoid being touched completely, which should not be forced on them. Parents can respect their boundaries and learn other ways to comfort them.
What Parents Can Do
Children showing signs of autism should be taken to a paediatrician or development specialist for them to be evaluated. However, these signs do not automatically mean they have autism spectrum disorder. These signs can also indicate they are just late bloomers, which is no need to be concerned about, or they can indicate an underlying issue. The first step parents should take after observing these signs is to seek professional support. If your child does have autism, an early intervention will significantly help them improve their quality of life.