Early Symptoms of Autism: What to Look For

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 9, 2024

Advertisement

Autism is a condition that can hinder communication and social interaction. It manifests in varying degrees—some individuals function at high levels, while others require full-time care. Generally, autism is a lifelong condition, but with the right therapies and support, people with autism can lead full and rewarding lives. Thanks to advances in medical knowledge, parents and doctors can now detect autism in toddlers, allowing early intervention. Changes in societal attitudes and medical insights have enhanced our understanding of autism and improved our ability to help those affected live normal lives.

Unresponsive to Others

One of the most noticeable symptoms of autism emerges when a baby seems unresponsive to people around them. Typically, babies will gaze at people, turn their heads toward voices or sounds, and grasp at extended fingers. By four months old, they usually start to smile. As they begin to crawl and eventually walk, most babies enjoy interacting with other children. However, children with autism may not respond to these social cues and might prefer playing alone instead of joining in with others. This lack of engagement can be a head-scratcher for many parents.

Advertisement

Repetitive Behavior Patterns

Children with autism often exhibit repetitive behaviors. They might jump up and down, stack objects repeatedly, or make certain sounds over and over. Frequently, they'll repeat a hand wave or another motion because it brings them pleasure. Immersed in their actions and routines, individuals with autism can find it tough to handle any changes to their daily schedule or environment. This need for consistency is like their comfort zone, and any disruption can be quite unsettling for them.

Advertisement

Lack of Language Skills

Every parent cherishes hearing their baby babble and eagerly awaits their first words. Children showing symptoms of autism might start babbling but then suddenly become silent before six months old. They may take much longer to develop basic language skills. Sometimes, they repeat the same word repeatedly and struggle to form sentences. Eventually, they might develop communication abilities to varying extents, but often with little expression in their speech. It's like they're speaking, but the usual emotional cues are missing.

Advertisement

Difficulty Socializing

Many people don't realize that individuals with autism perceive the world differently. The body language and emotions most of us recognize and interpret might not be apparent to someone with autism. This difference can make it challenging for them to communicate or relate to others. Additionally, they might find it hard to control their emotions when reacting to certain situations. It's not that they don't want to connect; it's just that the social cues are like a foreign language to them.

Advertisement

Unpredictable Behavior

At times, individuals with autism might display completely unpredictable behaviors. This behavior can sometimes appear as self-harm, such as purposely banging their head against something. Other times, they might become aggressive toward those around them. It's not always clear whether this is due to an emotional disturbance or a physical discomfort. These sudden actions can be alarming, but understanding they are part of the condition helps in managing them.

Advertisement

Unusual Sensitivities to Touch and Sound

A person with autism may have atypical responses to certain objects or sounds. Many are hypersensitive to noise—a ceiling fan on high speed might bother a toddler with autism to the point of tears. Others might recoil at physical touch, even from close family members. Therapists are actively developing strategies to help individuals cope with common sounds and touches, aiming to make everyday life more comfortable for them.

Advertisement

Seizures

Approximately four out of ten people diagnosed with autism experience seizures. Typically, those with more significant cognitive impairments are more likely to have seizures. This issue often arises during childhood or just after entering the teenage years. Medical research hasn't identified a standard pattern for these seizures; they might resemble epileptic episodes. In milder cases, only clinical testing reveals that a seizure has occurred. It's crucial to monitor and manage this symptom to ensure the individual's safety.

Advertisement

Bowel Disorders

It's quite common for autistic children to suffer from some kind of bowel disorder. This symptom can manifest in various forms—sometimes severe constipation, other times chronic diarrhea. Inflammatory bowel disease is more prevalent in individuals with autism than in the general population. The discomfort and pain from these bowel issues can contribute to aggressive or self-harming behaviors. Adjustments in diet and medical treatments often help alleviate these problems, enhancing their quality of life.

Advertisement

Sleeping Issues

Getting any child to sleep can be a challenge, but children with autism may have different sleep patterns altogether. Autism can interfere with the body's internal clock that regulates sleep cycles. Many children diagnosed with autism who experience sleep problems continue to face these issues into adulthood. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help, but it might require additional strategies to ensure they get the rest they need.

Advertisement

Placing Inedible Objects in the Mouth

While it's normal for babies and toddlers to put toys or other objects in their mouths, older kids with autism may continue this behavior as they age. Some have been known to put items like soil, chalk, or even paint into their mouths. Supervision is essential to prevent them from ingesting something toxic or choking on an object. This tendency is another aspect that caregivers need to be mindful of to ensure safety.

Advertisement

You May Also Like