Autism Symptoms in Children
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that typically appears in early childhood. It is characterized by difficulties with social communication, social interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. While there is no single behavior that is typical of all children with ASD, there are certain behaviors that are common among children with the disorder.
Social Interaction Children with autism may have difficulty initiating and maintaining social interactions with peers and adults. They may not understand the social nuances of conversations or body language, and struggle to read facial expressions and tone of voice. They may not make eye contact, or may be overly interested in one topic of conversation.
Communication Children with autism may have difficulty expressing their wants and needs. They may have difficulty understanding verbal instructions and have difficulty understanding the meaning of words. They may also have difficulty initiating conversations, or may talk in a monotone or use a robotic voice.
Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors Children with autism may exhibit restricted and repetitive behaviors, such as lining up toys, repeating words or phrases, or engaging in self-stimulatory behaviors such as rocking or hand flapping. They may be inflexible about routines, and may become agitated or distressed when routines are disrupted. They may also engage in activities such as counting or sorting objects.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A diagnosis of autism is made by a multidisciplinary team, including a psychologist, psychiatrist, behavior analyst, and pediatrician. Treatment for autism typically involves a combination of behavioral interventions, educational interventions, and social skills training. Medication may also be used to help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as to address challenging behaviors.