What are the signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder ?

September 25, 2023
Dr Bindiya Shajith

Autism spectrum disorder(ASD) (which we refer to as autism) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that involves a wide range of problematic behaviors, including deficits in language and perceptual and motor developments; and impairments in social communication that are accompanied by extremely rigid patterns of behavior.

Autism or ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurological behavioral condition that affects social interaction, language, and communication skills involving rigid and repetitive behaviors. The word “spectrum” indicates the wide variation in the range and severity of how people are affected with Autism and the difficulties they face. Every Autistic child or adult is different from the other.


Causes

There is no single cause for Autism or the exact cause of autism is unknown. It might probably occur due to genetic reasons and environmental causes. Below are the few main considerable reasons/ risk factors for the occurrence of Autism.

Signs of Autism in Children

Children with autism show varying degrees of impairments and capabilities. A cardinal and typical sign is that a child seems apart from others even in the earliest stages of life. Mothers often remember such babies as not being cuddly, not reaching out when being picked up, not smiling or looking at them while being fed.

Signs and Symptoms to look for

Most of these signs and symptoms are identified and observed in children at an early age by Parents or caretakers. If you observe any related conditions more than half,  the child can be referred for further diagnostic evaluation. 


Types of Autism

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) – 5, the four previously classified conditions, Autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and PDD-NOS, can be classified together as "Autism Spectrum Disorder." The term "spectrum" is used to describe a wide range of symptoms and severity levels. Each child with Autism has a varied level of severity and a different pattern of behavior.



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