Symptoms of Autism

Children suffering from autism usually have a problem in three major areas of development those are - behavior, language and social interaction.



However the symptoms of autism vary greatly and two children with autism may have different symptoms, behave differently and have different skills.



But one autism symptom is common in most of the severe cases that is inability to interact or communicate with other people.

Many children show autism symptoms in early infancy, but other may have normal development for first few months or years and then suddenly lose language skills, become withdrawn and aggressive. Although each child will exhibit different symptoms and have a unique behavior pattern, listed below are common symptoms for this disorder with respect to social skills, language and behavior -

1. Has a poor eye contact, and avoid making eye contact even when requested
2. Appears as if he or she did not hear you
3. Not respond to his or her name when called
4. Appears to be unaware of others feelings
5. Resists holding and cuddling
6. Lives in his or her own world and prefers playing alone
7. Starts talking much later then other children
8. Suddenly loses the ability to say words and sentences which was previously acquired
9. Speaks with an unusual tone or an abnormal rhythm like a robot speech or singsong voice
10. Unable to start a conversation and unable express feeling using correct words
11. Repeating words or phrases but doesn't know how and where to use them
12. Performing repetitive movements like flapping hands, spinning or rocking
13. Developing specific schedules or routines and getting upset with any change in these formed rituals or routines
14. Moving constantly
15. Usually sensitive to light, sound and touch
16. Fantasized by parts of objects like spinning wheels of a toy car

Some children may show less marked behavior and disturbances as they grow and become more engaged with other things. Some with less severe problems may also be able to live a near normal adult life if treated and supported at an early stage.



But other children with autism may have great difficulty to communicate and socialize as they grow up and worsening of behavior problems can also occur in the adolescent years. Most of the children with autism may acquire new skills and knowledge slowly and some may even exhibit signs of lower than normal intelligence. Although some children learn quickly they have a problem in communicating and applying knowledge in everyday life. A small number of children with autism develop exceptional skills in specific areas like art, music or math; these are known as 'autistic savants'.