While quite a few children have delays in one developmental area or another, there are several specific signs that parents can attempt to identify as their child nears certain predetermined age milestones, as a fairly accurate means of correctly diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Some areas to watch closely include motor skills, speech, spatial memory and repetitive behavior.
Within the first year of development a baby should be showing some activity, such as crawling and standing with some support. There is some communication, usually single words intertwined with baby babble. In the vast majority of instances, one-year old children do interact with others by occasionally waving goodbye, grabbing for something they’d like to have and other little gestures as well. However, it’s important to remember that in general, babies don’t progress on the same time schedule, but for the most part, the initial signs of autism start appearing around the end of the first year of age. They include a lack of eye contact or a blank look and stare, as well as certain repetitive behaviors, like rocking profusely.
Autism is often diagnosed around age two because that’s when most signs of the disorder become prevalent. At this age, the total lack of eye contact and the complete lack of interest in everyone else around them becomes much more obvious. Any words that the toddler did say are lost and there is no pointing or other form of communication for things they want. Other symptoms of autism include no interest in creative or pretend play and walking on tip toes. Unusual behaviors also begin to occur, such as outbursts of hitting and banging heads repetitively. There could also be some difficulty in the toddler accepting potty training.
There are situations where a baby is progressing normally and then begins showing signs of autism. For instance, a child could suddenly stop talking or begin exhibiting unusual or repetitive behaviors. Evidence of autism characteristics can begin occurring between the ages of 2 and 4. During this time, any progress in development is generally lost and signs of autism become prevalent.
Between ages 2 and 5, a number of signs of autism develop, which enable parents and physicians to better diagnose autism spectrum disorder. For instance, the child has no interest in other children or people and instead becomes fixated with certain toys, games, or objects. They are not responding to vocabulary or any language skills and they work better when there is a routine or set order. When this routine is disturbed, anger often develops. At this age, an autistic child begins developing sensitivity to sounds, touch, and certain textures. As a result of sensitivity to smell and taste, they develop fussy eating habits. Children with early signs of autism are also unable to carry on a conversation, have a poor attention span and rarely make eye contact.
Often times, a child could show mild signs of autism that become more prevalent in pre-teen years. Young teens with autism sometimes have outbursts of laughter for no reason, or outbursts of crying without cause. These are referred to as self-stimulating outbursts.
Although there is no one test to diagnose autism, doctors rely on observing the child, developmental history and conversations with the parents. With early diagnosis and intervention, children showing signs of autism can get the therapy and treatment they need to ensure a better outcome as they grow older and enter adulthood.
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