Understanding the Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The lifelong neuro developmental disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) influences an individual by the manner in which one perceives the surrounding world. Although no single known cause is cited, it is diagnosed differently depending on the person, which is not the case of two autistic people.

In this case, we have described characteristic symptoms in each period of life: both when a person is a child and when he or she is already an adult, as well as at what point the need to seek assistance arises.

Signs of Autism in Babies and Toddlers

The signs of autism are usually visible at the age of approximately 18-22 months. In part, it is due to the fact that the problems are diagnosed on the basis of behaviours and many of them do not become apparent until children develop. Remember, children grow differently and this by itself is not a confirmation of autism. Yet they may be useful symptoms to observe.

The typical symptoms to watch out in infants and toddlers:

• Hardly or never eye contact
• Failure to answer when called by their names
• Failure to imitate others and mimic them physically and on their faces
• Scanty or no response to loud noises
• An intense curiosity with things that appear strange
• Difficulty in simple instructions (in toddlers)
• Doing the same thing time and again

In case you can observe some of these signs regularly, make sure to talk to a medical worker. Diagnosis can only be made with the help of a formal assessment.

Signs of Autism in Young Children

The signs might be more pronounced during the early years and vary with the growth of the child. A large number of children with autism can acquire skills or exhibit various behaviours in the way they relate, communicate and play at a different speed.

Communication Differences:

• Reserved or fluctuating eye contact
• Failing to answer their name all the time
• Not often indicating to point out things or to communicate about something of interest
• Not copying, clapping or waving instinctively
• Will not be able to respond without encouragement
• Does not easily apes others
• May be unable to take simple instructions

Social Interaction and Play:

• Likes to play on his own
• Reduced enthusiasm in the form of imaginative play
• Might get quite attached to certain toy or thing

Behavioural Signs:

• Body movements such as hand-flapping, toe-walking, back-arching etc.
• Watching the same program over and over again or being obsessed with some things
• Very sensitive to the sound, texture or colour.
• In trying to obtain sensory information such as spinning or chewing or loud noises

This is not the indication of something being wrong, but a child can process the world differently. Early support will enable the children to learn in a manner that suits them.

Getting an Autism Diagnosis

Autism cannot be diagnosed using some types of standardized test. An adequate diagnosis normally entails a group of experts and this may involve:

• Paediatricians
• Psychologists
• Speech pathologists
• Occupational therapists
• Sometimes, psychiatrists

The process may be time bound, but it provides a complete picture of how a child sees, hears and responds to the world making support plans to be developed in a better way.

Signs of Autism in Adults

In some cases, an adult may start to wonder whether he/she is autistic because he or she read something that touched his/her core or noticed that a relative was diagnosed. Although each autistic adult is an individual, they share certain common patterns in terms of how autism may manifest later in life.

Communication and Social Interaction:

• Having difficulties in joining/keeping up with conversation
• Difficulty with use of non-literal language (e.g. sarcastic speech)
• Adopting a facial expression or gestures which appear odd to other people
• Inability to read or react toward emotions of others
• Not understanding how to respond to facial expression or body movement
• Seeming to be too untactful or straightforward
• Being unable to maintain eye contacts
• Despair that it is difficult to find close relations

Behavioural Patterns:

• Being angry or stressed when things or schedules change
• Sounding in a no place like it would seem to any other person
• Inability to concentrate on a number of items simultaneously
• Strong interest in certain subjects or activity
• High sensitivity to smells, touch, and sounds (sights)

When these seem to ring a bell it might be a good idea to talk to a GP. They can check how to get assessed and could refer you to services or supports which suit your needs.

What Is Early Intervention and Why It Matters

The best way of treating autism is yet to be found but much assistance exists. Early intervention is one of the actions that should be taken as soon as a certain diagnosis has been made.

Early intervention merely refers to the initial offering of the proper support to a child at the earliest age to stimulate child development so that a child can have a proper and healthy development in his or her own way.

The programs differ based on the needs of the child and the selection of the appropriate support is usually entrusted to the parents or carers. Sometimes it may seem too much to handle, and the transformation becomes more apparent as the process goes.

Some of the professionals who may support them include:

• Social and communication skills: speech pathologists (speech)
• Psychologists (to promote emotional wellbeing and anxiety)
• Motor skills and executive (occupational therapists)

The support plan will be able to change with the changing needs of the child as he or she grows. The confidence, independence and the improved daily experiences can be established early on with the help of the support.

To find out more about early intervention and how NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) can be of help in your journey, talk to you GP or a member of your child care team.

How Support Network Can Help

At Support Network, we know how important it is to get the right help early. Our experienced carers can work with families to offer tailored autism support. We can also assist in connecting you with trained professionals through the NDIS and beyond.

If you’re exploring autism support, with or without NDIS funding, we’re here to help guide the way.