The Signs and Symptoms of Autism

Autism is a brain development disorder impacting how individuals interact, communicate, and the way they behave. The spectrum refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity. 

The main symptoms of autism are social skill challenges and repetitive behaviors. 

Developmental evaluation by a professional is recommended as early as possible to identify any delays in cognitive language and social skills. Signs and symptoms developed are mostly seen by the age of 18 to 24 months. Early diagnosis leads to first intervention treatment impacting a child's developmental progress. 

Some signs generally are shown in an autistic child compared to a typical child at the same age:

• Having fewer words or does not talk at all (non-verbal)
• Avoiding/having minimal eye contact when communicating 
• Not showing or having less facial expressions
• Repeating certain words/sounds or body parts movements 
• Intense interest in a particular toy, item, or topic
• Prone to changes, such as new environment, food, or schedule
• Enjoy being alone or prefer parallel playing rather than engage in playing with other children
• Prefer predictable structured-toys 
• Sensitive and intense reactions over sensory stimulation like sound, light, texture, etc.
• Difficulty recognizing and expressing their own emotions and intention in others

There are no certain conclusions on the cause of every individual who has autism spectrum disorders. There might be a possibility of hereditary, older parent's age, pregnancy or birth complications, toxin exposure, viral infections, metabolic imbalance, genetic mutations.