Autism is a lifelong and sometimes disabling neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how people communicate, learn and relate to the world. Though it appears differently from person to person, in some cases for Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms can be identified early in a child’s life making them important signs that Parents, Caregivers and Teachers should be aware of.
Early identification of these features enables early intervention with favourable impact on the developmental outcome and quality of life. Knowing what to look for and how that can vary is important to aiding people in the best way.
Precursors of autism spectrum disorders
Some children may present with only mild delays in speech, social reciprocity, or emotional regulation in infancy or early childhood. But it's worth noting that all children develop at different rates but some general early signs of autism include:
l Limited eye gaze of facial expression or other facial characteristics
l Doesn't have a name by 12 months of age
l Echolalia, or delay in speech, or in the manner of using gestures, for example, pointing or waving.
l Repetitive behaviors such as flapping the hands, rocking, or spinning objects
l An intellectual variation of a theme and single-minded preoccupation with a topic or object.
l You value tradition and hate changes in your schedule
It's important to add that people with autism in real life frequently have their own, specific cognitive strengths. When it dawns on you that the strengths of these people could also be consistent with the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms, you have a much more inclusive, and effective support network.
Behavioral and Social Challenges
And as children with autism grow older, signs of autism spectrum disorder can take on other traits or become more pronounced outwardly, particularly in social situations. They may struggle to read social cues, put emotions and engage in back-and-forth exchanges. In a crowd you may perceive avoidance, synaptic uprisings and impulsiveness when you are oversaturated.
For some kids, it might be an issue with more sensitivity they can’t take loud sounds or bright lights or certain textures, but with other kids it might be the other way around, hyposensitivity, and it comes out in the form of needing more stimulation. The knowledge of these sensitivities is essential for providing nurturing environments in the home and at school.
Cognitive Strengths and Learning Styles
It is also important to note that individuals with autism in real life often have unique cognitive strengths, such as good memory, attention to detail, and visual learning. When you realize the strengths of these folks could be congruent with the traits of Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms, you create a more inclusionary and effective support system.
With the right interventions including speech therapy, behavior therapy and educational support many people with autism thrive at school and at home. The point isn’t necessarily to “fix” autism, but to provide people with tools and strategies to access a world that may not always be constructed for the way autistic minds work.
Observation and Encouragement are in Richness
Autism is also a spectrum disorder, so symptoms can range in severity, and form into one of thousands of combinations of traits. Parents and teachers need to be alert and seek professional help if several of these symptoms are present over time.
So our goal with the Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms is to enable earlier intervention and support, increased access to intervention and services, and enhanced quality of life for people with autism spectrum disorder. I'm no expert on the more subtle signs but I guess the fact that those signs are less familiar means that it takes longer for them to be recognised and treated.and early recognition and treatment is necessary for people to have a chance at succeeding in life.
Willam is the author of this article. To know more about ABA therapy in Pearl Ridge.
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