The Real Signs
and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders
spectrum disorder) is a developmental impairment caused by brain differences.
Some ASD patients have a recognized abnormality, such as a genetic disease.
Other causes are unknown at this time. Scientists believe that ASD is caused by
a combination of factors that work together to alter the most frequent ways
people develop. There is still a lot we don't know about these reasons and how
they affect persons with ASD.
typically nothing in the appearance of people with ASD that distinguishes them
from others. They may act, talk, engage, and learn in ways that most other
people do not. People with ASD have a wide range of abilities. Some persons
with ASD, for example, may have outstanding speech abilities, whilst others may
be nonverbal. Some persons with ASD require a great deal of assistance in their
everyday life, while others can work and live with little to no assistance.
before the age of three and can remain for the rest of a person's life; however, symptoms may improve over time. Some children exhibit ASD symptoms within the
first year of life. In others, symptoms may not appear for 24 months or more.
Some children with ASD gain new skills and reach developmental goals until they
are 18 to 24 months old, at which point they cease developing new skills or
lose the talents they previously have.
ASD now covers
multiple previously identified conditions: autistic disorder, pervasive
developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger
syndrome. All of these diseases are now referred to as autism spectrum
disorders. Problems with social communication and engagement, as well as
confined or repetitive activities or interests, have been added to the updated
ASD diagnostic criteria. It is crucial to note that some persons who do not
have ASD may exhibit some of these symptoms. However, for persons with ASD,
these features can make life extremely difficult.
Interaction and Social Communication
ASD may struggle with social communication and interaction skills. Examples of
ASD-related social communication and social interaction characteristics
- Avoids or does not maintain eye contact
- By 9 months of age, he is unable to reply to his name.
- By 9 months of age, does not exhibit facial expressions such as happiness, sadness, anger, or surprise.
- By 12 months of age, he is unable to play simple interactive games such as pat-a-cake.
- By 12 months of age, he or she uses little or no gestures (e.g., does not wave goodbye)
- Does not share other people's interests (e.g., shows you an object that he or she likes by 15 months of age)
- By 18 months of age, does not point or look at what you point to.
- By the age of 24 months, does not notice when others are upset or sad.
- By 30 months of age, does not pretend in play (e.g., does not pretend to "feed" a doll).
- Has little interest in his peers.
- At 36 months or older have difficulty comprehending other people's sentiments or talking about one's own feelings.
- By the age of 60 months, he does not participate in turn-taking games.
Behaviors or interests those are
restricted or repetitive
People with ASD
may exhibit unique habits or interests. These activities or interests
distinguish ASD from conditions described solely by difficulties with social
communication and interaction.
restricted or repetitive interests and behaviors can include:
- Lines up toys or other things and becomes agitated if the sequence is altered
- Repeats words or phrases several times (i.e., echolalia)
- Every time he plays with toys, he does so in the same way.
- Is concentrated on object portions (e.g., wheels)
- Minor changes irritate her.
- Has an excessive hobby
- Certain protocols must be followed.
- Flapping hands, rocking body, or spinning in circles
- Has a strange reaction to how things sound, smell, taste, appearance, or feel.
- Lines up toys or other things and becomes agitated if the sequence is altered Additional Characteristics
The majority of people with ASD have
These could include:
- Language skills that have been delayed
- Movement skills that are delayed
- Cognitive or learning skills that are delayed
- Behavior that is hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive
- Seizures are a type of epilepsy.
- Unusual sleeping and eating habits
- Gastrointestinal problems (e.g., constipation)
- Unusual emotional or mood swings
- Anxiety, tension, or over-worrying
- Fearlessness or more fear than expected
It should be
noted that children with ASD may not exhibit all or any of the behaviors given
as examples above.
monitoring (collecting or gathering information) and screening can detect the
signs and symptoms of ASD (testing). Surveillance, also known as developmental
monitoring is an ongoing process that involves actively watching a kid grow
and fostering dialogues between parents and caregivers regarding a child's
skills and abilities. Learn the Signs from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. The Act Early has created free products, such as the CDC's
Milestone Tracker app, to assist parents and professionals in monitoring
children's development and determining when there may be a concern and when
additional screening is required.
the process by which a parent or provider completes a checklist or
questionnaire developed expressly to uncover concerns that require further
investigation. General developmental screening should take place at the 9-,
18-, 24-, or a 30-month well-child visit, as well as anytime a concern is
expressed. Autism-specific screening should also take place during the 18-,
24-, or 30-month visits, as well as whenever a concern is voiced.
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