Are You Seeing Signs of Autism? Here's What You Need to Know
“Autism” has become a buzzword in recent decades. I’m here to share signs of autism, causes, treatment, and more.
Perhaps you’re noticing differences in your little boy. He’s just not developing in the same way as his older siblings.
Maybe your child is simply not talking. You’ve heard the word “autism,” but you’re not clear on what it means.
Or maybe your little girl just started preschool. Her teacher is reporting difficulties in her interactions with others.
Could it be autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Basics
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), often referred to simply as “autism,” is a disorder impacting a person’s ability to communicate, interact with others, and behave within his or her environment. Signs of autism typically develop within the first two years of a child’s life. Still, most children are not diagnosed until later. According to the CDC, approximately one in 59 children is identified with ASD, and boys are far more impacted than girls. (1)
Signs of Autism
As providers in the field say: If you’ve met one child with autism, you’ve met one child with autism. That is, no two children with signs of autism present in the same way! Still, there are a number of characteristics –- and some “red flags”–– to keep in mind when thinking about development.
Differences in Communication
Children with ASD typically show communication difficulties. Specifically, we’re concerned if a child frequently:
Doesn’t direct language to others (i.e., says things but seemingly to no one)
Doesn’t respond to his or her name
Struggles to follow directions
Stops saying words that seemed to be mastered in the past
Has unusual words for things
Confuses pronouns (e.g., says “you” when he means “I”)
Echoes others’ speech (i.e., either immediately or after the fact)
Has unusual intonation patterns (e.g., sing-song intonation)
Differences in Social Interaction
Social skills are also impacted in those with ASD. Specifically, we’re concerned if a child frequently:
Seems more interested in objects than people
Doesn’t point to or show items of interest in a social manner
Uses others’ hands as tools
Avoids eye contact
Has reduced facial expression (i.e., a “flat” affect)
Doesn’t return social smiles
Differences in Interests, Play and Other Behaviors
Last, a child with ASD will generally show differences in his or her interests, play, and overall behavior. These differences may include:
Unusually high interest in few things (i.e., fixation)
Highly repetitive play with objects
Unusual movements (e.g., spinning or flapping)
Difficulty with play
Inflexibility with change
Over- or under-sensitivity to stimuli (lights, sounds, textures, tastes)
Autism Causes & Risk Factors
There is no single known cause of ASD, but researchers have made progress in identifying possible risk factors. Note that having a single risk factor –– or even multiple –– does not guarantee that a child will have autism. A child must show signs of autism to receive a diagnosis. See more on ASD testing below! Some possible risk factors (3) include:
Family history (i.e., child is more likely to have autism if his or her older sibling has it)
The sex of the child (i.e., the rate of autism in boys is approximately four times that in girls)
Identified genetic differences
Increased age of parents
Pre-term birth and low birth weight
Exposure to specific environmental toxins, medications, or viruses
Autism Test
Unfortunately, there is currently no blood test, genetic test, or scan to determine whether a person has ASD.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages autism screenings for children between 18 and 24 months. (1) The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) is an easy, research-based screening tool. Parents can fill it out themselves! Keep in mind that this is only a screening. Further testing is needed for diagnosis.
If your child is showing signs of autism, start by talking to his or her pediatrician. A pediatrician can provide a referral for testing.
To diagnose ASD, providers (typically a Developmental Pediatrician, Child Psychologist, or Child Neurologist) look for symptoms and signs of autism-like those described above. If the diagnosing provider sees enough characteristics in each of the three important areas –– communication, social interaction, and restrictive or repetitive behaviors –– a diagnosis may be made.
The gold standard for diagnosis of ASD is a test called the Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). This test helps to draw out and observe behaviors related to autism.
Prognosis
Clinicians often field questions from parents about their newly-diagnosed child with autism.
“Will he be low-functioning or high-functioning?” they’ll ask. “Will he be able to talk? And have friends? And live by himself?”
There just aren’t precise answers to questions like these. It’s very difficult to determine an accurate prognosis, especially in very young children. There is a broad spectrum when it comes to ASD (hence the term “autism spectrum disorder”). So symptoms can impact an individual profoundly or barely at all.
The good news? We know that intervening early with appropriate therapies can improve prognosis tremendously. (3)
Treatment for Autism
Depending on the specific needs of your child, a number of providers might be involved in his or her treatment. And finding the right team is important. A child might need behavior therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, physical therapy, play therapy, and/or other kinds of therapy.
Even without a diagnosis, your child may qualify for public early intervention services in your state. If your child is over three years, contact your local school district. For little ones under three, find more information about services in your state.
To date, there is no cure for ASD. Still, researchers have worked hard to find valuable tools and therapies that work well for this group of individuals. These include (but aren’t limited to):
Visual Supports. Children with ASD often learn well visually! Try using picture cards to support communication development. In fact, there is a system specifically designed to teach communication to individuals with autism using pictures. For more information, check out the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).
Social Supports. Early games are great for targeting skills like eye contact, gestures, and showing, which can be difficult for kids with ASD. Try a few for therapy and fun!
Positive Behavior Supports. Individuals with ASD tend to benefit from structure and clear expectations. Incorporating tools for behavior.
Facilitated Play. Play, and specifically facilitated play (i.e., play with a supporting adult), is important for children with autism. If your child is inclined to play repetitively with a toy, show him new and fun ways to engage with it. Gather some great toys and learn how to play with them.
As always, continue incorporating meaningful therapy activities into everyday life.
You’ve got this.
