Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges with speech and nonverbal communication, social skills, and patterns of behavioral difficulties. While a diagnosis of autism historically involved several conditions that were diagnosed separately, ASD is now used to include a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders.
ASD can vary greatly from person to person. The severity of the disorder and the symptoms are different for each individual — with some appearing very gifted and intelligent while others require additional assistance and face more difficult challenges. There is no single known cause of autism, but the CDC states that genetic, biological, and environmental factors may play a role.
When you suspect your child or loved one may have ASD, it can be scary, but it’s important to keep in mind that early diagnosis is extremely beneficial. Research and studies have led to breakthroughs in the way we treat ASD, such as Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy, which can help those with autism lead more fulfilling lives.
Characteristics and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
While ASD can affect everyone differently and the symptoms can emerge in varied ways, there are a few common characteristics to look out for.
Early Signs
Though autism affects people throughout their entire life and can develop at various ages, it is common for symptoms to develop during early childhood between 1 and 2 years of age. According to Autism Society and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders (NINDS), early signs to look for include:
- Becoming overly focused on certain objects or toys
- Speech and language developing later than typical, or not developing at all (nonverbal)
- Rarely making eye contact
- Failing to engage in babbling as infants
- Repeating words or behaviors, such as saying the same words or sounds over and over again, hand flapping, or other repetitive movements
- Preferring solo play over engaging with other children
- Becoming easily distressed and agitated by changes, such as new foods or schedule changes
- Struggles with an imaginative, make-believe type of play
Behavioral Symptoms of Autism
Beyond the initial early-stage symptoms, further behavioral challenges and patterns that can indicate ASD include:
- Hand or arm flapping
- Toe walking
- Rocking back and forth
- Repetitive movements and motions
- An increase or decrease in sensitivity to sensory input from their surroundings (i.e., negative reactions to certain sounds or stimuli)
- Extremely fixated interests and preoccupations with physical objects and/or school subjects
- Emotional outbursts in response to a change in routine
Challenges with Social Interactions and Communication
While the above behavioral characteristics can indicate ASD, it’s the communication and social issues that can often be the stronger indicator that a child has autism. Many children, even those without ASD, can exhibit unusual behaviors. However, children that display both unusual behaviors and have difficulties with social interactions and communication skills may have ASD. The CDC and NINDS indicate the following as common social and communication challenges in those with autism:
- Difficulties relating to others
- Avoiding eye contact
- Prefer not to be held, hugged, or cuddled
- Only interacting with others when necessary to achieve a specific goal
- Have a hard time understanding the feelings of others or cannot easily talk about or express their own feelings
- Slow development of speech and language, or failing to talk at all
- When they do communicate, it may often feel awkward and inappropriate
- Inability to interpret intention or meaning from tone of voice
- Speaking in a very monotone voice, lacking inflection or excitement, even when discussing things of interest
- Only talking about topics with which they are familiar, and showing no interest in listening to or discussing the interests of others
- Failing to respond to their name when called, or being unaware in general when others are trying to communicate with them
- Repeating words and phrases
- Difficulty understanding non-verbal cues, such as hand gestures and body language
- Have a hard time expressing their wants and needs
How Is Autism Diagnosed?
Because ASD characteristics and symptoms can vary from one individual to the next, it can be difficult to determine an initial diagnosis. There is no simple way, like a blood test, to determine whether a child has autism or not. This is why it is pertinent to have your child tested as early as possible, as it can take some time to determine the presence and severity of the disorder through a series of evaluations. Early diagnosis is crucial in helping children develop necessary skills and coping mechanisms to improve their quality of life.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening for ASD in all children at ages 18 and 24 months. Common tests, screenings, and evaluations involved in diagnosing ASD include:
- The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)
- Behavioral evaluations
- Genetic testing
- Visual and audio sensory tests
- Developmental questionnaires
Treatments for ASD
While there is no cure for Autism Spectrum Disorder, research has shown that early diagnosis and treatment therapies can vastly improve a child’s development and quality of life. The best and most successful treatment plans typically involve a combination of interventions and therapies designed to meet the specific needs of each child. Below are some of the current treatment options available to help children develop the necessary skills needed to live fulfilling lives:
- Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy (ABA)
- Play therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medications to help children with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit disorder, and other behavioral problems
How GBC Autism Services Can Help
At GBC Autism Services, we provide ABA therapy to children with autism in the areas of Chicagoland, Peoria, Normal, Rockford, Springfield, Dekalb, and North-West Indiana. Our services include in-home and clinic-based ABA therapy, early intervention services, school consultations, and social skills groups.
The team at GBC doesn’t only focus on the behaviors that might be seen as weaknesses in children with autism. We accept and appreciate each child’s unique abilities and incorporate them into our programming. In fact, we love to learn about each child’s interests and strengths and only look to help them navigate the world better.
