What Are Symtoms of Autism in Children?
Posted: Tuesday, April 03, 2007
by Rachel Evans
http://www.essential-guide-to-autism.com?source=sw
There seem to be more children in the US that are diagnosed with autism than ever before. This is mainly down to improved diagnosis and better recognition of the symtoms of autism in children.
Many of the lower functioning types of autism are very easy to spot, but Asperger’s can be harder to see in children before they begin preschool or regular school. These children are often misunderstood as being shy or strange, when in reality they have a form of autism. Now parents have more access to information about the symtoms of autism in children, they have a leg up when they suspect something might be wrong.
Social challenges: Almost all children with autism have challenges when it comes to socializing with their peers. They can be okay with parents and even siblings, but when it comes to school, they are often not skilled in how to relate to peers. They find making friends very daunting, or have difficulties holding onto friendships that they do manage to make. They feel high levels of anxiety when they are presented with social situations, usually resulting in a retreat to solo play to avoid those feelings. Group situations can be pretty overwhelming to them.
Communication problems: There are communication problems in all children with autism, but they differ in severity. Higher functioning children tend to have good skills, but lack social skills to communicate effectively. Others never really talk much and some start out well but regress, losing the speech they learnt. There are some that rely on gestures to communicate when others of their age are speaking quite well.
Reaction to Stimulus: This can be a real problem area for some parents who find their children cannot be touched, as they feel pain from the lightest of touches. They are perplexed when a seemingly happy child freaks out when touched or held. Sounds and events cause problems too. Some might overreact to the smallest noise, and other might act like they hear nothing, even when loud things are going on around them.
Unusual Behavior: There are many things that autistic children do that is different from others their age. There are tantrums that seem to come out of nowhere, or happen when a routine is off by a matter of minutes. Routine is very essential to them feeling like all is well in their world. This might come down to clothes, foods, and even special television shows that they must watch. They also repeat actions and motions that appear silly to others.
Playtime: Some children with autism will not play with others. This is not necessarily something that they want, but rather something that they prefer because the pain of not being able to relate to peers is too much for them. They will focus on what they are doing with intensity, and they may not hear or see anything else that is going on around them, even if someone is trying to get their attention. Group play is often overwhelming, and many times, it is out of the question.
These are many of the symtoms of autism in children that might be noticed early one, and are an indication that a child may need to be evaluated by a doctor. There are times when the doctor might notice things before the parents do. This is because no parent wants to think his or her child is different, and anyone can understand that. Talking with a doctor always helps, and if a parent thinks the doctor is disregarding their concerns, they should always seek a second or third opinion until they are satisfied that a thorough evaluation has been made.
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