Autism is a developmental disorder that affects a child’s behavior, social interactions, and ability to communicate. Detecting autism at early stages of life is vital because early intervention can significantly improve a child’s development. But with a wide variety of symptoms and varying severity of the disorder, it can be difficult to determine early on whether a child has autism. Therefore, knowing when you should consult a doctor is an essential step.
In this topic, we will review cases that may prompt you to think about consulting a doctor if you suspect that your child may have autism.
1. Delay in the acquisition of social and language skills:
One of the obvious indicators that may indicate the likelihood of autism is a delay in the acquisition of social and language skills. Children with autism usually have a delay in speaking or may not speak at all. They may also have difficulty interacting with others or may exhibit introverted behaviors.
- When to consult a doctor
If you notice that your baby does not respond to the call of his name, does not show interest in people around him or does not participate in interactive games with others at the age of 12-18 months, this may be a sign that a doctor should be consulted.
2. * Difficulty in Visual Communication and interpretation of social signals:*
Children with autism often have difficulty making eye contact with others. They may not look into the eyes of those around them or they may avoid visual interaction altogether. In addition, they may show difficulty understanding social cues such as facial expressions or gestures.
- When to consult a doctor
If you notice that your child does not look into your eyes during the interaction or has difficulty recognizing other people’s emotions through facial expressions or body language, it is worth consulting a specialist in developmental disorders.
3. Repetitive behaviors or persistent patterns:
Sticking to a fixed routine or indulging in repetitive behaviors is one of the common traits in children with autism. The child may show behaviors such as swaying, fluttering hands, or excessive interest in a certain thing for long periods without change.
- When to consult a doctor
If your child repeats certain movements excessively or inflexibly adheres to a daily routine, shows behaviors that are characterized by rigidity or difficulty in adapting to changes, a doctor’s consultation is necessary.
4. Difficulty responding to directions or understanding:
Autistic children usually have difficulty following simple directions or understanding commands. While children may understand simple commands such as” come here, ” an autistic child may show reluctance or lack of response to these commands.
- When to consult a doctor
If your child is at an age when he expects to have started to understand or carry out simple directions but does not show a response, you should consult a doctor to assess his condition.
5. Delayed motor development or motor skills:
Delays in acquiring fine motor skills (such as grasping objects or using tools) or gross motor skills (such as walking or running) are also common in children with autism.
- When to consult a doctor
If your child shows a noticeable delay in the development of basic motor skills, such as sitting or walking at the expected time, you should consult a doctor to make sure there are no other disorders.
6. Limited or absent social interactions:
Children with autism may exhibit introverted behaviors or prefer to play alone without interacting with peers or even family members. This may include the absence of fantasy games or social interactions that are expected at certain stages of life.
- When to consult a doctor
If you notice that your child prefers to be unusually isolated from others, or does not show a desire to participate in social activities such as group play or interaction with family members, it may be necessary to consult a specialist.
7. Having impulsive behaviors or difficulty controlling emotions:
Children with autism may exhibit overly emotional behaviors, such as extreme tantrums or difficulty dealing with frustration. These behaviors may be caused by difficulty communicating or understanding social situations.
- When to consult a doctor
If your child has frequent severe tantrums or has difficulty calming himself down when faced with frustrating situations, you should consult a doctor to evaluate the behavior and determine if these behaviors are related to autism.
8. Family and genetic history:
If you have a family history of autism or developmental disorders, the likelihood that your child will show similar symptoms may be higher. Genetic history can be an important risk factor.
- When to consult a doctor
If there is a family history of autism or other developmental disorders, it is best to follow your child’s development closely, and if any of the previous symptoms appear, a doctor should be consulted quickly to assess the condition.
9. Assessment and early diagnosis:
It is important to know that autism can be diagnosed at an early age, usually the age of 18 months to 2 years is the ideal time to detect signs of the disorder. Early diagnosis helps to provide appropriate interventions that can significantly improve the life and development of the child.
- When to consult a doctor
If you notice some or all of the symptoms mentioned at the age of 18 months or older, you should consult a specialist doctor as soon as possible to get an early assessment and diagnosis.
10. Conclusion:
If you suspect that your child may have autism, consulting a specialist as soon as possible is an important step. By carefully observing your child’s behavior and development, you can determine when you should take those doubts to the level of a medical examination. Early diagnosis is vital because it allows the child to receive support and treatment that may help him improve his social and language skills, and increase his chances of developing properly.
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