How can I tell if my child has autism ?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a child interacts with others, how he learns and understands the surrounding world. It is important for parents to recognize the signs of autism early because early detection and early treatment can help significantly improve a child’s development. But, because autism has a wide range of symptoms that may manifest in different ways from child to child, it can be difficult to determine if your child has it. In this topic, we will dwell on how to notice the early signs that may indicate that your child has autism, as well as what you should do in case you suspect the presence of this disorder.

1. What is autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a group of disorders that affect a child’s ability to communicate and interact socially. Autistic children show repetitive behaviors and patterns, and may have difficulty understanding and expressing emotions. They also experience delays or differences in the development of social and language skills.

People with autism vary in the level of severity of symptoms; some may be able to live independently, while others may need permanent support. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial for proper support.

2. Early signs that may indicate autism:

If you suspect that your child may have autism, there are a range of early signs that can help you notice the problem. Some of these signs appear during the first year of a child’s life, while others may appear later:

• Difficulty in eye contact:  one of the most important indicators is the lack of eye contact with the people around him. Children with autism may have difficulty looking into other people’s eyes or prefer to avoid eye contact altogether.
• Delays in Language Development:  children with autism may show delays in learning to speak or may not speak at all. Some of them may speak, but they have difficulty using the language in a communicative way (such as using full sentences or expressing their needs).
• Limited interest in interactive games: a child with autism may show a lack of interest in games that require interaction with others such as group games or activities that include cooperation with peers.
• *Stick to a consistent routine: * autistic children show a strong tendency to get attached to familiar routines and patterns. They may become uncomfortable or start repetitive behaviors if their routine is changed or they are placed in an unfamiliar environment.
• *Repetitive behaviors or stereotyped movements: * children with autism may repeat the same movements over and over again such as shaking, moving hands, fluttering hands or rotating objects in a repetitive way.
• Not responding to names or calls: you may find that your child does not respond when you call him by his name, or does not react to simple commands or teachings.
• *Difficulty understanding other people’s emotions: * a child with autism may have difficulty recognizing facial expressions or understanding other people’s emotions, which makes social interaction challenging.
• Excessive or obsessive interest in a particular thing: autistic children may show intense interest or obsession in a particular thing, such as cars, numbers or any other subject, and can spend a long time on this limited attention.

3. When should I consult a doctor

If you notice any of these signs in your baby, especially if he is over 18 months old, it is important that you consult a specialist or a development specialist. Doctors usually monitor the child’s development during routine visits, and can determine if there is a developmental delay that warrants further examination.

Here are some cases when you should urgently consult a doctor:

• If your child does not speak or does not show communication skills until the age of 2-3 years.
• If there is severe difficulty interacting with others or difficulty understanding social cues such as facial expressions or body language.
• If your child’s behavior is abnormally repetitive or shows excessive interest in only one thing.

4. Early diagnosis of autism:

Early diagnosis can significantly contribute to identifying the needs of the child and carrying out appropriate treatment. To diagnose autism, doctors usually rely on a set of evaluative tools such as:

• *Interviews with parents: * the doctor will talk with the parents about the child’s behavior and the development of his language and social skills. This information will be crucial in determining if a child has symptoms of autism.
• *Behavioral assessment: * the doctor may evaluate the child’s behavior in different environments such as at home, school or even in social situations.
• Use of approved medical measures and standards: such as the “M-CHAT” test (early assessment test for children) that helps determine if there are signs of autism.

5. Early treatment and its impact on the development of the child:

If a child is diagnosed with autism, early intervention can have a significant impact on the development of the child. Through behavioral therapy programs such as * Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)*, social skills training, and physical therapy, many of a child’s skills such as communication, social behavior, and adaptability to the surrounding environment can be improved.

Behavioral therapy requires the allocation of time and effort from doctors and specialists, as well as the participation of the family in the treatment. Constant interaction with the child and teaching him how to interact socially can lead to significant improvements in the long run.

6. Conclusion:

Noticing any unusual signs in the behavior of a child in the early stages of his development is extremely important for diagnosing autism. If you suspect that your child may have autism, it is important that you consult a doctor as soon as possible to get an accurate assessment. Some symptoms may not always be obvious at the initial stages, but early diagnosis and appropriate intervention can help improve the child’s social and mental abilities and give him the necessary opportunities for success in his life