Signs and Symptoms of Autism
Children with autism may show normal development for the first few months or years. Later they become less responsive. Signs and symptoms widely vary in children.
Following are the signs and symptoms.
- Fails to respond to his or her name
- Appears not to hear at times
- Resists cuddling and holding
- Appears unaware of others feelings
- Seems to prefer playing alone, confined to his or her ‘own world’
Language
- Starts talking later than other children
- Loses previously acquired ability to say words or sentences
- Does not make eye contact when making requests
- Speaks with an abnormal tone or rhythm (singsong voice or robot-like speech)
- Can’t start a conversation
- May repeat words or phrases
Behavior
- Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-flapping
- Develops specific routines or rituals
- Becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals
- May be fascinated by parts of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car
- May be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch
As they mature, some children show less marked disturbance in behavior. Children with least impairment can lead a normal life or near normal life.
Majority of the children with autism are very slow in acquiring skills and knowledge, but some have very high intelligence.
Next page: Diagnosis of autism
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 20, 2012