- Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and experiences the world around them.
- It is called a “spectrum” because it can look very different from one person to another.
- Some individuals may require significant support, while others can live more independently.
- Recognizing autism early is crucial because early support can help children and adults develop the skills necessary to manage daily life more effectively.
- This article will guide you through the symptoms of autism commonly observed in babies, toddlers, children, teenagers, and adults.
SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM IN BABIES (0 TO 18 MONTHS)
- Autism can sometimes show signs very early, even in infancy. Here are some things to look out for:
- Lack of Eye Contact: Babies typically enjoy looking at faces. If a baby rarely makes eye contact, this could be a sign.
- Not Responding to Their Name: By around 6 to 12 months, babies usually turn toward the sound of their name. A baby who does not react might need further checking.
- Limited Smiling or Joyful Expressions: Babies often smile back when you smile at them. If a baby rarely smiles or shows happiness, it could be a concern.
- Little to No Gesturing: Babies use gestures, such as pointing, waving, or reaching, to communicate before they speak. A lack of these actions might suggest a delay.
- Unusual Reactions to Sounds: Some babies may appear highly sensitive to noise or fail to react to loud sounds at all.
- It’s essential to remember that one sign alone does not necessarily mean autism. But if several of these signs are present, it’s worth discussing with a paediatrician.
SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM IN TODDLERS (18 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS)
- As children grow, their social and communication skills develop quickly. In toddlers, autism may look like:
- Delayed Speech: Many toddlers with autism start talking later than their peers. Some may not speak at all.
- Limited Interest in Playing with Others: Instead of playing alongside or with other kids, they may prefer to be alone.
- Repetitive Behaviors: Toddlers with autism often exhibit repetitive behaviors, such as lining up toys or spinning objects.
- Unusual Attachment to Objects: They may become excessively attached to certain items, such as a spoon, a piece of string, or a toy, and carry them everywhere.
- Rigid Routines: Even small changes in daily routines can cause significant distress, such as a meltdown, because the path to the park was altered.
- Lack of Imitation: Typically, toddlers love copying adults — pretending to talk on the phone, sweeping the floor, etc. A toddler who rarely imitates may need evaluation.
- Limited Use of Words for Communication: They may repeat words told to them (echoing) instead of using them to express their needs.
SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM IN YOUNG CHILDREN (3 TO 12 YEARS)
- When children start school, differences can become more noticeable. Autism symptoms in this age group may include:
- Struggles with Friendships: Children with autism may want to make friends, but may not know how to do so. They may struggle to join in games or conversations.
- Difficulty Understanding Emotions: They may struggle to recognize their feelings or those of others. For example, they may not notice when someone is sad.
- Literal Understanding of Language: They may take jokes, sarcasm, or metaphors literally. If you say, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” they might look for animals falling from the sky.
- Strong Interests: Many children with autism develop intense interests, such as a fascination with trains, dinosaurs, or maps. They may often discuss their favorite subject.
- Repetitive Speech or Movements: Some children repeat phrases they have heard on TV, known as “echolalia,” or exhibit repetitive behaviors, such as flapping their hands, rocking back and forth, or spinning in circles.
- Sensitivity to Sensory Input: They might cover their ears at normal sounds, dislike certain textures, or be bothered by bright lights.
- Difficulty with Changes: Last-minute changes — like a different teacher or a canceled trip — may lead to strong emotional reactions.
- At this stage, symptoms may be misunderstood as shyness, stubbornness, or even “bad behavior,” so it’s essential to look deeper.
SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM IN TEENAGERS (13 TO 18 YEARS)
- Teenage years can be challenging for everyone. For teenagers with autism, these challenges can be more intense:
- Social Isolation: Many teens with autism feel different and struggle to form close friendships. They may be bullied or left out by peers.
- Difficulty with Conversations: Conversations may feel one-sided, with the teen either dominating the conversation by talking excessively about their interests or struggling to maintain a conversation.
- Emotional Outbursts or Shutdowns: They may struggle to express their feelings and experience meltdowns when overwhelmed, or they may retreat completely, exhibiting shutdown behaviors.
- Understanding Social Rules: Unwritten social rules, like knowing when to speak, maintaining personal space, or understanding flirting, can be confusing.
- Anxiety and Depression: As they become more aware of their differences, many autistic teens experience anxiety or depression.
- Continued Need for Routines: Teenagers with autism may still need strict routines and can become very upset by unexpected changes.
- Sensory Issues Persist: Bright lights, loud noises, or scratchy clothes may continue to bother them.
- Often, teenagers with autism mask their struggles by copying others, which can make symptoms harder to spot unless you look closely.
SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM IN ADULTS (18 YEARS AND OLDER)
- Some adults discover they are autistic only later in life, often after their child is diagnosed. Adult symptoms can include:
- Feeling “Different”: Many autistic adults feel like they don’t quite fit in, but may not know why.
- Struggles with Relationships: Maintaining friendships, dating, or working in a team can be challenging due to difficulties with communication and understanding others’ emotions.
- Preference for Routine: Adults with autism often adhere to strict routines in their personal and professional lives.
- Deep Focus on Special Interests: They may become experts in a narrow field, such as computers, art, or history, and find great comfort and pride in their specialized interests.
- Sensitivity to Sensory Input: Bright lights, crowded spaces, or noisy environments can still cause significant discomfort.
- Difficulty Managing Emotions: Stress, anger, or sadness may feel overwhelming and hard to express in socially acceptable ways.
- Masking Behavior: Many autistic adults have learned to hide their autistic traits by pretending to behave like others, but this can be exhausting.
- It’s essential to note that high intelligence or verbal skills do not necessarily rule out autism. Autism can be present at all levels of ability.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER
- Autism is different for everyone. Some individuals may experience mild symptoms, while others may exhibit more pronounced signs.
- Early support helps. If you notice symptoms early, reaching out for assessment and support can make a huge difference.
- Don’t rely solely on a checklist. If you have concerns, please speak to a qualified professional, such as a pediatrician, psychologist, or developmental specialist.
- There is no single cause of autism. It’s believed to be a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
- Autism is not caused by parenting or vaccines. These are common myths that have been scientifically proven wrong.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP
- Suppose you notice some of the signs mentioned above, especially more than one, and they affect the ability to interact, communicate, or manage daily life. In that case, it’s a good idea to seek help.
- You can:
- Talk to your child’s doctor or school counsellor/psychologist.
- Request a developmental screening for younger children with a licensed clinical psychologist.
- Seek a referral to a medical specialist (paediatrician, psychiatrist, developmental neurologist)
GETTING HELP EARLY DOES NOT LABEL A CHILD OR ADULT NEGATIVELY — IT OPENS DOORS TO UNDERSTANDING, SOLUTIONS, AND SUPPORT.
- If you have any concerns, trust your instincts and seek advice.
- Early support, kindness, and patience can help an individual with autism thrive.