Until two of my children were diagnosed with autism, I really had very little understanding of the disorder. Though most people have heard of autism spectrum disorder, most people are underinformed until it directly affects them. This lack of information directly correlates to the misunderstanding and misconceptions of autism.
I truly believe that education is the key to awareness and acceptance. Here is an easy to read a guide on the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disorder that typically starts before age 3, but can be (and often is) at older ages. Symptoms can vary from person to person, as well as the severity of the symptoms. All persons with an autism diagnosis will have some varying degrees in the following three areas:
-
- communication (verbal & non-verbal)
-
- relationships – Struggling with relating to others & their environment
- lack of thought & behavior flexibly
Autism Symptoms In Infants and Toddlers
-
- No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by 6 months
-
- No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by 9 months
-
- Does not answer to name by 12 months
-
- The is no babbling or “baby talk” by 12 months
-
- No pointing, reaching or waving by 12 months
-
- Has no spoken words by 16 months
-
- No meaningful two-word phrases (non-repeating) by 24 months
- ANY REGRESSION OR LOSS OF SPEECH
Autism Signs and Symptoms
- Extremely Intense Emotions
- Speech delay and, or learning disability
- May not want to be held/touched/cuddled
- Avoidance & sensitivity to noise and sound
- meltdowns inability to calm down
- Twirling and spinning of self and objects
- Social & emotional Immaturity
- Lack of or struggles with empathy/sympathy
- Difficulties falling and staying asleep
- Anxiety / Depression
- Clumsy, constantly getting bumps and bruises.
- Poor Muscle Tone (i.e. Not being able to walk regular distances without exhaustion)
- Problems Playing with Others, Appearing “Bossy” or “Controlling”
- Improper relationships with peers, acting like an adult towards other children or adults
- Inflexible Emotions and behaviors Can’t Let Go of Issues
- Problems getting and keeping friends
- Inconsistent Eye Contact with others
- Extreme intensity of interests
- Lack of Coping Skills struggling with unexpected transitions
- Struggles with conversations, very one-sided
- Robotic voice, changes or lack of changes in tone of voice
- Persistent repetition of words or actions
- Impulsive, lack of impulse control
These are some of the major signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Early intervention is key. If you notice any of these, please contact your child’s doctor as only a professional can give an autism diagnosis. For more information on autism parenting, resource guides, and giveaways, make sure to click that purple button below!
Wow you kinda just fullly educated me on this I did not know those symtoms I just know theyre slower than an average kid. Thank you for this honestly
[…] children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory processing disorder (SPD) have an oral fixation. Many times, this results in chewing […]
[…] an autism diagnosis is something that affects the whole family. This goes the same towards other diagnosis such as […]
[…] it means that one thing that triggers a meltdown (noise, lighting, sensory input, etc) in one child with autism can calm the other with […]
[…] post is going to be our complete, in depth review of Stockpile. As a mom of four children, two with autism, I know just how important investing is. I also know how scary and expensive stocks can seem to […]
[…] therapy is a huge aspect of having a toddler (or any child) with autism spectrum disorder. Little man loves unconventional toys, and I am cheap, so I often recreate his therapy toys […]
[…] right, poop. Little man has autism, so potty training hasn’t been that successful. Though he won’t go on the toilet, he […]
[…] to understand social interactions. They show tasks, social interactions, and other activities a person with autism might experience day-to-day. Most of these are show in picture form with explanations, acting as a […]
[…] Autism Spectrum Disorder is finally coming to the forefront of people’s minds and acceptance. There is a ton of information out there on symptoms, but those symptoms seem very specific to boys. Along the journey to our daughter’s diagnosis, I desperately looked for information online of autism symptoms in girls. Surprising was how little there was on how autism affect girls in comparison to boys. Through out experiences, I have gathered quiet a bit of information. Surprising, was the finding out how often autism diagnosis in girls are overlooked and misdiagnosed. […]
[…] without autism, this may seem like no big deal. You just get in the car and go on to school. For someone with autism, feels like the world is ending. It creates extreme anxiety, confusion, and a lot of […]
[…] ton of spinning around and bouncing into everything and everyone! This is just another aspect of his autism. Over the last year and half, we have been working with speech and occupational therapist that […]
[…] so when my daughter’s counselor suggested a squish bag I was game! Having two children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (one with SPD) and the other two with ADHD, we can use these for both calming and sensory needs. […]
[…] We will answer what elopement is, why it happens, and steps you can do to safeguard your child with autism from […]
[…] One question I have been asked more often has been “What are some non-toy gift ideas for autistic children that I can get?” I never realized how hard this was (and how few articles are out there about […]
[…] Here are some symptoms of autism: […]
[…] due to a genetic variation that causes them to freeze at external sounds. For children with autism, spd, and other disorders, loud noises may cause them to shut down temporarily. Using Noise […]
[…] 1 in 59 children in the United States being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, the knowledge surrounding autism needs to grow. However, there is an unfortunate amount of […]
[…] Melatonin release. Both of these are found naturally in our bodies, but different disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder and Insomnia can interfere with the natural production of both melatonin and […]
[…] without autism, this may seem like no big deal. You get in the car and go on to school. For someone with autism, it feels like the world is ending. It creates extreme anxiety, confusion, and a lot of […]
[…] release. Both of these are found naturally in our bodies, but different disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder and Insomnia can interfere with the natural production of both melatonin and […]
[…] Autism is a developmental disorder. It affects individuals’ behaviors and communication skills. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States today. […]
[…] Autism is a developmental disorder. It affects individuals’ behaviors and communication skills. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States today. […]
[…] learning disabilities (SLDs). Examples are diagnoses such as ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism spectrum disorder, and specific language […]
[…] more common that not. If you are looking for a list of symptoms for both babies and children, please see our list here. I am always here to listen, offer personal advice, or point you in the right direction […]
[…] of escape. A place where you can rest so that you may start the next day anew. As a parent of an autistic child, it’s essential to keep that in mind when what you place in a room when Designing a Calming […]