Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects a child’s social interactions, communication, and behavior. Understanding and spotting early signs of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis can help improve the child’s long-term outcomes. This article discusses the early signs of autism spectrum disorder or ASD, how it affects development, and why diagnosing early autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex group of developmental disorders that affects a child’s ability to communicate, learn, and interact with others. ASD is referred to as a “spectrum” because it affects each child differently, ranging from mild to severe symptoms.
Identifying early signs of autism can play an essential role in shaping the child’s future.
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How do Autism Spectrum Disorders affect Child Development?
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) can affect many aspects of a child’s life, from their communication skills to their ability to make friends and succeed in school.
Children with developmental disorders usually have less adaptive capabilities than normal. This means they get easily upset because they have a harder time adjusting to new situations. Developmental disorders, like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Asperger’s, hinder a child’s development since new situations and new environments are necessary for individuals to develop essential skills.
If not cared for, these children with autism spectrum disorder will most likely not achieve independence since their lack of essential life skills will prevent them from getting jobs or, in more severe cases, even getting through the day alone.
Tasks or routines like tying shoelaces, brushing teeth, making friends, and completing homework will be impossible if you thrust a child with severe autism without any preparation.
Recognizing that something may not be right with a kid’s development is an important step in ensuring they receive the appropriate care and can live their best lives.
When Do Signs of Autism Start?
Signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can start to appear as early as 6 months of age, though they may not be immediately noticeable. By the time a child reaches 12 to 18 months, parents may start to notice delays in communication, social interaction, or unusual behaviors.
For some children, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may not be fully recognized until they are 2 to 3 years old when development becomes more apparent. Early signs such as difficulty making eye contact, limited speech, or a lack of interest in playing with others can indicate that further evaluation is needed.
How to Recognize the Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
It can be challenging to spot the early signs of autism spectrum disorder since they may not be immediately apparent. However, parents can start observing their child’s development early to identify any deviations from developmental milestones.
Some of the most common early signs of autism spectrum disorder include oddity in communication, imitation, understanding social cues, imitation, motor skills, and repetitive play.
Normal Development VS Development with Autism
Although the development of children varies, the table below presents the average timeline.
Developmental Milestones | Normal Development | Development with Autism Spectrum Disorder |
|---|---|---|
Communication | Begins to speak simple words around 12 months; uses gestures to express needs (12-18 months). | Delayed speech or limited use of gestures; could speak later or not at all (18 months+). |
Social Interaction | Shows interest in playing with others, making eye contact, and smiling (6-12 months). | Avoids eye contact, hass little interest in playing with others, and prefer to be alone. (18 months+). |
Imitation | Mimics actions of others, such as clapping or waving (6-12 months). | W imitate actions or expressions, even when prompted (18 months+). |
Understanding Social Cues | Responds to emotions of others, like laughing when someone else laughs (6-12 months). | Can’t understand or respond to emotions, such as not showing empathy or interest in others’ feelings (18 months+). |
Motor Skills | Develops motor skills like crawling, walking, and running by expected age (6-12 months for crawling, 12-18 months for walking). | Delays in motor skills or prefer repetitive movements like hand-flapping or spinning (18 months+). |
Play | Engages in pretend play, like playing house or pretending objects are something else (2-3 years). | Prefers repetitive play with the same objects, such as lining up toys, and may not engage in pretend play (2-3 years+). |
Why is Early Diagnosis Important?
As noted by the American Psychiatric Association, identifying the early signs of autism spectrum disorder can lead to an earlier intervention, which is crucial for development.
Diagnosing autism early is important to improve the child’s ability to function and thrive significantly.
Research in developmental and behavioral pediatrics has shown that early intervention can help children with autism spectrum disorders improve their communication skills, social interaction, and behavior, enabling them to lead a more fulfilling life.
Where to Get an Early Diagnosis?
To get a diagnosis for autism spectrum disorders, start by talking to the child’s pediatrician or family doctor. They can help assess if the child’s behaviors are truly early signs of autism spectrum disorder and refer to a specialist in child psychology if needed.
Developmental and behavioral pediatrics specialists are trained to evaluate a child’s development and provide a proper diagnosis.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines specific criteria for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder, which specialists use to determine the severity of the disorder and the best treatment approach.
After confirming the diagnosis, the next step would be to consider Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Care Options.
What are Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Care Options?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) care options are therapies, medication, or other types of support strategies. They are designed for children with autism spectrum disorder to develop important skills, manage challenges, and lead fulfilling lives.
The most common Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) care options are:
Speech Therapy: Focuses on improving communication skills, including speech, understanding language, and non-verbal communication like gestures.
Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy: ABA breaks down skills into smaller, manageable steps and rewards progress.
Occupational Therapy: Helps children improve everyday skills such as dressing, eating, and managing sensory sensitivities.
Social Skills Training: Teaches children with ASD how to interact appropriately with peers and adults in various social settings.
Educational Support: Specialized learning plans, like Individualized Education Programs (IEP), are created to support children in school.
Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms such as anxiety, hyperactivity, or aggression.
Parent Training and Support: Training programs and support groups for parents to learn strategies and share experiences in caring for a child with ASD.
Alternative Therapies: Includes options like sensory integration therapy or dietary changes, though these may vary in effectiveness.
These care options can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each child with ASD, offering a comprehensive approach to support their development and well-being.
Before choosing an option, one must consider their child’s specific needs, child health, child psychology, and the child’s response to treatment, especially if they are dealing with additional developmental disorders (like ADHD or SPD).
One must also consider the available local professional expertise, family involvement, treatment duration and frequency, cost and insurance coverage of the ASD care option, and their environment.
How Autism Spectrum Disorder Affects Other Children
When a child with developmental disorders (like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or ADHD) is in a group, their behavior might be different from other children. This can affect their social interactions.
Other children may not understand why a child with autism avoids eye contact or struggles with communication, which can lead to confusion or misunderstandings.
However, being around children with autism can also teach empathy and patience. Other kids can learn to be more understanding of differences, which can help foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
The way autism manifests in children can differ widely, but recognizing the early signs of autism and seeking professional help can help ensure the best possible outcome for the child.
To Sum Up
Recognizing the early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and seeking timely intervention can have a profound impact on a child’s development and future.
By understanding the unique ways ASD can affect communication, social interaction, and behavior, parents can take the necessary steps to provide tailored support and care options that suit their child’s specific needs. Early diagnosis not only benefits the child but also fosters greater awareness and acceptance among families and communities.
It’s important to approach Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with an open mind, acknowledging the diverse experiences of children on the autism spectrum. Every child has the potential to thrive when given the right tools, support, and opportunities.
Move Up ABA offers compassionate, individualized programs designed to help children with ASD achieve their goals. Move Up ABA’s trained professionals work closely with families to promote growth and confidence every step of the way. Contact us to start your journey!
By embracing differences and working together, we can create a more inclusive world where all children feel valued and understood.
