Parents frequently ask “What are the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?” and unfortunately we can’t always give a straight answer. Autism isn’t like most diagnoses where your child will display symptoms x, y and z and you know that’s what it is.

Autism has a range of symptoms that fit into two categories:
•   social communication and interaction, and
•   ritualised patterns of behaviours.

The presentations between children may vary significantly and often, but not always, there is associated sensory sensitivities. The following are considered some of the early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Social interactions

Children with autism might:

•   seem to be in their own world, disinterested or unaware of other people or what’s going on around them
•   show little eye contact – for example, during interaction, or to draw attention to something
•   not use gestures – for example, lifting arms to be picked up
•   not share enjoyment or interests – for example, they might not point to an object or event to share it
•   show little emotion or empathy
•   prefer not to be touched, held, or cuddled
•   not respond to their names
•   show little or no interest in other children

Communication


Children with autism might:

•   have little or no babble
•   have little or no spoken language
•   speak with an odd tone or rhythm
•   have ‘echolalia’, which means they echo or mimic words or phrases without meaning or in an unusual tone of voice
•   have difficulty understanding and following simple instructions – for example, ‘Give me the block’ might be difficult for them
•   understand things very literally – for example someone saying “It’s raining cats and dogs” might result in the child looking around for dogs or cats coming from the sky

Repetitive or persistent behaviours

Children with autism might:

•    have intense interest in certain objects – they’ll get ‘stuck’ on one particular toy or object
•    focus narrowly on an object – for example, on a detail like opening and closing the door on a toy bus rather than pretending to drive it
•    insist on following routines and be easily upset by change
•    show repetitive body movements or unusual body movements – for example, back-arching, hand-flapping or walking on toes.

Sensory issues

Children with autism might:

•    be extremely sensitive to sensory experiences – for example, they might be easily upset by certain sounds, or only eat foods with a certain texture
•    seek sensory stimulation – for example, they might like deep pressure touch or vibrating objects like the washing machine
•    like to flutter their fingers at the side of their eyes to watch the light flicker.

It’s important to keep in mind that just because your child displays some of these early signs does not mean that they have autism. If you think that your child has the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder, it best to seek a formal diagnosis from a paediatrician or a multi-disciplinary team such as Real Autism Care’s.

Amanda