Getting To Know Autism
As the autism diagnosis rate increases dramatically, education and awareness about the neurological disorder is necessary. Autism is “behavioral syndrome associated with differences in brain functioning and sensory responses, and characterized by impaired social interaction, impaired verbal and non-verbal communication skills, repetitive or odd motor behaviors, and highly restricted interests and routines” (Hockenbury, 2011). One in 88 kids are being diagnosed on the autism spectrum so knowing what to look for and how you can help is essential in helping these children feel safe and accepted in society.
An active awareness of the symptoms of autism is key to early intervention and getting the assistance a child needs. Autism typically affects three key areas of a child’s development: social interactions and relationships, verbal and non-verbal communication, unusual behavior towards themselves and limited interest in activities or play. When a young child is diagnosed with autism, some of the first signs of the disorder are found within the child’s social interactions. Typically, a child that is diagnosed on the spectrum “avoids eye contact with others, being cuddled or seems to tune out the world” (“Understanding Autism - Symptoms, 2012). Some have described them as being detached from others and the outside world. They often won’t return a smile when someone smiles at them. Some children also won’t wave hello or goodbye when someone familiar enters the room. Children on the spectrum also have varying levels of difficulty playing with others their age. Some autistic children can play alongside others; while some children are simply unable to play to others their age. Also, some children exhibit an “unusual attachment to inanimate objects such as toys, strings or spinning objects” (“Understanding Autism – Symptoms, 2012). While this short list will give some insight on the autism symptoms that affect the child’s social interaction, every child is different and will exhibit varying levels of these symptoms.
Another area of a child’s development that can be impacted by autism is their verbal and non-verbal communication. Children that are diagnosed with autism typically have difficulties learning and retaining language. Some children will begin talking and then they will suddenly “lose” the words that they could say before. Others simply aren’t able to learn how to speak on their own. By 12 to 18 months, a child has shown the ability to “baby talk” or babble. Also, as their speech develops, some autistic child use words that they don’t understand but appear to use correctly. They will also speak in a monotone or abnormal tone, unable to understand when or the meaning behind proper tone or inflection. Areas of non-verbal communication can also be impacted by autism. Facial expressions and tone aren’t easy interpreted by someone with autism.
Autistic children also have difficulty with empathy; they are unable to understand and comprehend complex emotions. Temple Grandin, a professor at Colorado State University and an autistic person herself, explains “My emotions are simpler than those of most people. I don’t know what complex emotion in a human relationship is. I only understand simple emotions, such as fear, anger, happiness, and sadness. I cry during sad movies, and sometimes I cry when I see something that really moves me. But complex emotional relationships are beyond my comprehension.”. That inability to understand what is being said with facial expressions and understanding complex emotions often leads to difficulties with others.
An autistic person behavior towards and about themselves is sometimes the most apparent symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is repetitive and continuous behaviors, including jumping, hand flapping, spinning or rocking. Some might inflict pain or injury to themselves. Also, sometimes they will have exhibit highly impulsively behavior or seem to “have no fear of dangers” (“Understanding Autism – Symptoms, 2012). Autistic children might have a higher tolerance for pain. Temple Grandin created a “squeeze machine” that helped soothe her, while others would have been uncomfortable in a machine that would cause high levels of pressure on their entire body. “I had to use the squeeze machine to get the feeling of love and kindness” (Grandin, 2006).
Without notice or apparent cause, some children will experience frequent, and sometimes long lasting, tantrums. Also, autistic children could have an “abnormal responses to sensations such as light, sound and touch. At times, a child with autism may appear dear or may be extremely distressed by everyday noises” (“Understanding Autism – Symptoms, 2012). These responses can be both soothing and disruptive, depending upon the child.
Routine is also an extremely important part of an autistic child’s day. The organization of their room, toys and furniture is essential to their comfort and any changes could cause distress. Also, it is absolutely essential to have a similar schedule for their day-to-day lives. Changing a meal time or bedtime could impact their body clock and the effects could be felt for several days afterwards. “Any change in my school schedule caused intense anxiety and fear of a panic attack” (Grandin, 2006). Finally, their behavior seems to operate at one extreme or the other: extremely quiet and passive or very hyper and seems to be out of control. These symptoms are the most outwardly obvious to others and may contribute to some of the negative treatment or bullying that some autistic children experience.
Finally, some autistic children have shown limited interest in activities or playing properly with age appropriate toys. One of the most publicized symptoms is a child’s need to line up their toys. Some autistic children will spend hours lining up their toys, organizing them to fit their needs. Also, some children will turn their cars or trucks upside down and spend hours spinning the wheels. They can also spend hours watching a ceiling fan spin, looking at lights or flicking light switches. They also have an unusual preoccupation with certain objects: video games, television or other visually stimulating objects. While some of these behaviors aren’t quite as obvious as the others, they are key in spotting autism at an early age.
As the number of autism diagnoses continues to rise, it’s imperative to have a clear understanding of the symptoms so early intervention is a possibility. An autistic child can be impacted in several areas of their development: social and interactions and relationships, verbal and non-verbal communication, unusual behavior towards themselves and limited interest in activities or playing properly with age appropriate toys. Having the knowledge and keeping a watchful eye on our children will give them the best opportunity for a happy and successful future.
An active awareness of the symptoms of autism is key to early intervention and getting the assistance a child needs. Autism typically affects three key areas of a child’s development: social interactions and relationships, verbal and non-verbal communication, unusual behavior towards themselves and limited interest in activities or play. When a young child is diagnosed with autism, some of the first signs of the disorder are found within the child’s social interactions. Typically, a child that is diagnosed on the spectrum “avoids eye contact with others, being cuddled or seems to tune out the world” (“Understanding Autism - Symptoms, 2012). Some have described them as being detached from others and the outside world. They often won’t return a smile when someone smiles at them. Some children also won’t wave hello or goodbye when someone familiar enters the room. Children on the spectrum also have varying levels of difficulty playing with others their age. Some autistic children can play alongside others; while some children are simply unable to play to others their age. Also, some children exhibit an “unusual attachment to inanimate objects such as toys, strings or spinning objects” (“Understanding Autism – Symptoms, 2012). While this short list will give some insight on the autism symptoms that affect the child’s social interaction, every child is different and will exhibit varying levels of these symptoms.
Another area of a child’s development that can be impacted by autism is their verbal and non-verbal communication. Children that are diagnosed with autism typically have difficulties learning and retaining language. Some children will begin talking and then they will suddenly “lose” the words that they could say before. Others simply aren’t able to learn how to speak on their own. By 12 to 18 months, a child has shown the ability to “baby talk” or babble. Also, as their speech develops, some autistic child use words that they don’t understand but appear to use correctly. They will also speak in a monotone or abnormal tone, unable to understand when or the meaning behind proper tone or inflection. Areas of non-verbal communication can also be impacted by autism. Facial expressions and tone aren’t easy interpreted by someone with autism.
Autistic children also have difficulty with empathy; they are unable to understand and comprehend complex emotions. Temple Grandin, a professor at Colorado State University and an autistic person herself, explains “My emotions are simpler than those of most people. I don’t know what complex emotion in a human relationship is. I only understand simple emotions, such as fear, anger, happiness, and sadness. I cry during sad movies, and sometimes I cry when I see something that really moves me. But complex emotional relationships are beyond my comprehension.”. That inability to understand what is being said with facial expressions and understanding complex emotions often leads to difficulties with others.
An autistic person behavior towards and about themselves is sometimes the most apparent symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is repetitive and continuous behaviors, including jumping, hand flapping, spinning or rocking. Some might inflict pain or injury to themselves. Also, sometimes they will have exhibit highly impulsively behavior or seem to “have no fear of dangers” (“Understanding Autism – Symptoms, 2012). Autistic children might have a higher tolerance for pain. Temple Grandin created a “squeeze machine” that helped soothe her, while others would have been uncomfortable in a machine that would cause high levels of pressure on their entire body. “I had to use the squeeze machine to get the feeling of love and kindness” (Grandin, 2006).
Without notice or apparent cause, some children will experience frequent, and sometimes long lasting, tantrums. Also, autistic children could have an “abnormal responses to sensations such as light, sound and touch. At times, a child with autism may appear dear or may be extremely distressed by everyday noises” (“Understanding Autism – Symptoms, 2012). These responses can be both soothing and disruptive, depending upon the child.
Routine is also an extremely important part of an autistic child’s day. The organization of their room, toys and furniture is essential to their comfort and any changes could cause distress. Also, it is absolutely essential to have a similar schedule for their day-to-day lives. Changing a meal time or bedtime could impact their body clock and the effects could be felt for several days afterwards. “Any change in my school schedule caused intense anxiety and fear of a panic attack” (Grandin, 2006). Finally, their behavior seems to operate at one extreme or the other: extremely quiet and passive or very hyper and seems to be out of control. These symptoms are the most outwardly obvious to others and may contribute to some of the negative treatment or bullying that some autistic children experience.
Finally, some autistic children have shown limited interest in activities or playing properly with age appropriate toys. One of the most publicized symptoms is a child’s need to line up their toys. Some autistic children will spend hours lining up their toys, organizing them to fit their needs. Also, some children will turn their cars or trucks upside down and spend hours spinning the wheels. They can also spend hours watching a ceiling fan spin, looking at lights or flicking light switches. They also have an unusual preoccupation with certain objects: video games, television or other visually stimulating objects. While some of these behaviors aren’t quite as obvious as the others, they are key in spotting autism at an early age.
As the number of autism diagnoses continues to rise, it’s imperative to have a clear understanding of the symptoms so early intervention is a possibility. An autistic child can be impacted in several areas of their development: social and interactions and relationships, verbal and non-verbal communication, unusual behavior towards themselves and limited interest in activities or playing properly with age appropriate toys. Having the knowledge and keeping a watchful eye on our children will give them the best opportunity for a happy and successful future.
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