Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that can significantly impact a child’s social interaction, communication, and behavior. Children with autism may struggle with basic communication, have difficulty making eye contact or engaging in play with others, exhibit repetitive behaviors or intense interests, and may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain textures, sounds, or smells. Not everyone will exhibit all of these signs of autism in children, and it’s important to talk to a pediatrician and get an evaluation if you notice any of these signs in your child. With early intervention and support, children with autism can manage their symptoms and develop skills for better long-term outcomes.
4 Common Signs of Autism in Children
4 Common Signs of Autism in Children
Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that can significantly impact a child’s social interaction, communication, and behavior. Early intervention is key to managing the condition effectively, and recognizing the signs of autism in children is crucial to that process. In this article, we will discuss four common signs of autism in children and how to recognize them.
Delayed Speech
Delayed or absent speech is one of the common signs of autism in children. Children with autism may not babble, point, or use gestures to communicate. They may also have trouble understanding and responding to verbal communication. Delayed speech refers to a child’s inability to reach the normal developmental milestones for speech and language.
For example, a typical toddler will usually start to say their first words around the age of 12 months and start to use two-word phrases by 24 months. A toddler with delayed speech may not reach these milestones at the expected age. They may struggle to communicate basic needs and wants, have difficulty following simple directions, and not respond when their name is called.
Lack of Social Interaction
Another sign of autism in children is a lack of social interaction. Children with autism may not seek out social interaction with others or respond to social cues. They may also have difficulty making eye contact or engaging in play with others. A typical toddler will usually make eye contact when interacting with others.
However, a toddler with autism may avoid eye contact altogether or only make brief glances. Children with autism may not respond to a smile or a wave from someone else. They may not understand the meaning behind these gestures or may not know how to respond appropriately. A toddler with autism may prefer to play alone or engage in repetitive behaviors instead of interacting with peers.
Repetitive Behaviors
Repetitive behaviors is also one of the common signs of autism in children. Children with autism may repeat certain actions, such as flapping their hands, finger flicking, body rocking, or spinning in circles. They may also have specific routines or rituals that they follow and become upset when these routines are disrupted. A toddler with autism may become intensely interested in a particular topic or object and focus on it to the exclusion of other activities.
They may engage in repetitive play, such as lining up toys, sorting objects by color or size, or repeating the same actions with toys. Some toddlers with autism may develop echolalia, which is the repetition of words or phrases that they hear. A child on the spectrum may become upset or anxious when there are changes to their routine or environment.
Sensory Issues
Sensory issues can also be a sign of autism in children. Children with autism may be sensitive to certain textures, sounds, or smells. They may also have a high tolerance for pain or not respond to pain in the way that you would expect. Sensory issues can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact a child’s daily functioning.
A toddler with autism may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain smells, sounds, or textures. Some children with autism may have a hypersensitivity to certain textures, such as clothing tags, certain fabrics, or foods. They may avoid wearing certain clothing or eating certain foods because of their texture. They also may be overwhelmed by loud noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of autism in children can be challenging, but it is crucial to identifying the condition early on and managing it effectively. Delayed speech, lack of social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and sensory issues are all common signs of autism in toddlers. If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s important to seek professional evaluation and early intervention to provide the best possible outcomes for your child’s development and future.
Also read: 7 common signs of autism in adults
About Olga Sirbu
My name is Olga Sirbu, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Applied Behavioral Analyst. My goal is to support and empower families and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Autism Advance is dedicated to training parents and caregivers, providing practical tips, and teaching individuals how to educate kids with autism.
I share evidence-based practices to help you better understand and support individuals with autism. Learn practical strategies to help individuals with autism reach their full potential, as well as gain a deeper understanding and acceptance of autism.
Thank you for considering Autism Advance as a resource for your autism journey.