04/24/2023
๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ค๐๐๐๐ค ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ช ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ช ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ธ๐ฆ๐ฅ๐๐ค๐?
In honor of Autism Awareness Month, we thought we would share some common signs and symptoms we see in children coming in for Autism evaluations because early diagnosis and intervention are important for children with Autism. Early identification and intervention can help improve their outcomes and quality of life.
Some early warning signs of Autism in children, include (but arenโt limited to):
โข ๐ฟ๐๐ก๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ก๐๐ฃ๐๐ช๐๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ก๐ก๐จ: One of the earliest signs of Autism is a delay in speech and language development. Children with Autism may not start talking as early as their peers or have difficulty with language skills, such as repeating words or phrases (echolalia) or using language in a socially appropriate way.
โข ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐ช๐ก๐ฉ๐ฎ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐จ๐ค๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ: Children with Autism often have difficulty with social interaction and may not engage in typical social behaviors, such as making eye contact, responding to their name, or smiling in response to social cues.
โข ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฉ๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ค๐ง๐จ: Children with Autism may engage in repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, rocking back and forth, or spinning. They may also become fixated on certain objects or topics and need help with changes in routine.
โข ๐๐๐ฃ๐จ๐ค๐ง๐ฎ ๐จ๐๐ฃ๐จ๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐จ: Children with Autism may have sensory sensitivities to sounds, textures, or smells. They may also have difficulty regulating their responses to sensory input, such as becoming upset or overwhelmed by certain sounds or textures.
โข ๐๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ ๐ฅ๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฅ๐ก๐๐ฎ: Children with Autism may have difficulty with imaginative play and may not engage in pretend play or games with others. When they do engage in pretend play, the script may be imitating things they have already seen on tv.
โข ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐ช๐ก๐ฉ๐ฎ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐ฉ๐ง๐๐ฃ๐จ๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐จ: Children with Autism may have difficulty transitioning from one activity to another and may become upset or agitated by changes in routine.
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๐ผ๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ช ๐๐๐ช ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ค
In addition to the above challenges, there are some everyday situations that can be particularly difficult for children with Autism. For example, getting a haircut can be an overwhelming and anxiety-provoking experience. Sensory sensitivities, such as sensitivity to the sound of clippers or the feeling of hair falling on their skin, can make haircuts a painful and distressing experience. Additionally, the unfamiliar environment of a hair salon or barber shop, with its bright lights, loud noises, and strange smells, can be overwhelming for children with Autism.
To help children with Autism who struggle with getting haircuts, there are some things that parents and caregivers can do. First, it may be helpful to find a hair stylist who has experience working with children with Autism. Often times, local social media mom groups of neurodiverse children have great recommendations for local stylists that work well with their children. They may be able to create a calm and comfortable environment, use quiet clippers or scissors, and take breaks as needed. It may also be helpful to use social stories or visual schedules to prepare the child for the haircut and explain what will happen during the process.
Another common challenge for children with Autism is being overstimulated at events like birthday parties. The noise, excitement, and activity of a party can be overwhelming for children with Autism, leading to anxiety, meltdowns, or other challenging behaviors. In particular, the tradition of singing "Happy Birthday" can be difficult for some children with Autism, as the loud and sudden noise can be startling. Children my cry, over their ears or express distress when overstimulated Iโm these incidents.
To help children with Autism who struggle with birthday parties, there are a few things that can be done. One is to prepare the child in advance by explaining what will happen at the party and what to expect. Another is to consider using noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to help reduce the impact of loud noises. It may also be helpful to provide a quiet space or safe zone where the child can go to take a break if they become overwhelmed.
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๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐ค๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ ?
It's important to note that not all children with Autism will display all of these behaviors, and some children without Autism may display some of these behaviors as well. However, if you are concerned about your child's development, it's important to talk to a psychologist who specializes in Autism and seek out early intervention services.
We cannot emphasize enough that ๐๐๐ง๐ก๐ฎ ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ซ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐จ ๐ ๐๐ฎ and if your child demonstrates any of these signs, an evaluation may be appropriate. Early intervention services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy, can help children with Autism improve their skills and overcome their challenges. With the right support and services, children with Autism can learn to thrive in their supportive environments.
