Autism is a neuro development disorder with its signs vary greatly child to child. Some children have mild symptoms while other have severe. You can’t diagnose autism at home but if you suspect your child have autism you get in touch with therapist who can diagnose it. It is not nessary that child has autism even if he/she have symptoms eg. a child with speech delay could be due to autism or could be due to isolation or less interaction with family members, however a visit to therapist can help you to rule out or early treatment of autism. Some the symptoms that do warrant a visit to therapist are
- Child with autism avoid eye contact and lack of facial expressions eg. they may not smile in return of smile you make
- They may have limitied response eg. they may not respond when you call their name.
- These children often have speech delay, i.e they may not speak at all or may be learning words in very slow manner.
- These children often lack of interest in playing or any other social activities.
- These children often have limited ability of non verbal expressions. eg. they don’t point to things they need.
- These children may have repetitive movements eg hand movements or repeating words.
- These children might have behavior issues i.e getting angry quickly etc.
When you compare your child with other children of similar age and notice there ability to speak, study,play etc less comparing to other children, you can get your child assessed for autism. Your school teacher or pediatrician may recommend assessment of child if they notice any symptoms of autism.