Is My Child On The Autism Spectrum? Early Clues and Information

As a parent, one of the most important things you can do for your child is to monitor their development carefully. For children who are on the autism spectrum, early recognition and intervention are essential for better outcomes. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and socialization. It is a lifelong condition that requires support and management. In this blog post, we will be discussing some of the clues that your child could be on the autism spectrum, including high functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome.

Common Symptoms of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder):

1. Challenges with Social Interaction: One of the hallmark characteristics of children on the autism spectrum is difficulty with social interaction. These children may avoid eye contact, have trouble understanding social cues, and may struggle with developing and maintaining friendships. They may also find it difficult to engage in joint attention, which means they may not point to or show objects of interest to others. Pay attention to how your child interacts with others and if they seem to struggle with these types of social interactions.
2. Repetitive Behaviors: Children on the autism spectrum may engage in repetitive behaviors such as hand-flapping, rocking, or lining up toys. They may also have intense interests in specific topics, and their play can be focused on repetitive actions. While repetitive behaviors can be common in young children, if it seems unusual or excessive, it could be a sign of autism. This can also be a symptom of childhood OCD; which is important to rule out and assess. OCD can also co-occur with ASD.
3. Sensory Issues: Many children with autism have sensory processing issues, which means they may be over or under-sensitive to certain stimuli. This may manifest itself in a dislike of loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures of clothing. They may also have a very high or low pain tolerance. Pay attention to your child’s reaction to sensory input and if they seem to be particularly sensitive or unsensitive. This can also be a symptom of childhood OCD; which is important to rule out and assess. OCD can also co-occur with ASD.
4. Delayed Language or Communication: Children on the autism spectrum may have delayed language or communication skills. They may have trouble expressing themselves or have difficulty understanding language. While some children may remain nonverbal, others may have difficulty with subtleties of language, such as sarcasm or idioms.

What is High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome / High functioning autism (HFA)?

Asperger’s syndrome and HFA are both on the autism spectrum and share some of the same characteristics as autism to a lesser extent and do not impact functioning to the degree of a lower functioning autism diagnosis. They are often marked by average to above-average intellectual abilities. Children with HFA or Asperger’s often have difficulty with social interaction and repetitive behaviors, but they may also have a remarkable ability in specific areas, such as math, science, music, or art. Sometimes childhood OCD, anxiety, or depression will co-occur with ASD. If you suspect your child could be struggling with ASD / HFA they may benefit from a full evaluation, social skills support and training, and CBT/ERP treatment if there is co-occuring anxiety, OCD or depression.

It’s important to remember that every child is unique, and not every child on the autism spectrum will present with the same symptoms or behaviors. If you suspect your child may be on the autism spectrum or ASD, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician or therapist. Early evaluation recognition and intervention can help your child live a fulfilling life and achieve their full potential.

*this information is not meant to replace medical advice, please consult with a medical professional for any concerns or questions about your child.