Potential Signs of ASD Disorder

According to the CDC, one in 54 children in the United States is now diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite increased autism awareness, 25 percent of children with ASD under eight are still going undiagnosed. Understanding the signs and symptoms of ASD can lead to early diagnosis and treatment. Early identification and treatment of developmental delays are crucial and can lead to improved outcomes. Research has found that Autism Spectrum Disorder can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional is considered very reliable.

In general, the more common symptoms and signs of ASD are problems with social communication and interaction, delayed language skills and learning, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms.

Social Communication and Interaction Ques

There are specific social characteristics that are related to ASD. These are some of the characteristics that professionals consider when making their diagnosis.

• Avoids or does not keep eye contact
• Does not respond to name by nine months of age
• Does not show facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by nine months of age
• Does not play simple interactive games like pat-a-cake by 12 months of age
• Uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age (for example, does not wave goodbye)
• Does not share interests with others by 15 months of age (for example, showing off objects that they like)
• Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months of age
• Does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months of age
• Does not notice other children or join them in play by 36 months of age
• Does not play pretend by 48 months of age
• Does not sing, dance, or act for you by 60 months of age

Restricted or Repetitive Behaviors or Interests

People with ASD have behaviors or interests that can seem unusual. These behaviors or interests set ASD apart from conditions that are defined by challenges with social communication and interaction problems alone.

Examples of restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests related to ASD can include:

• Lines up toys or other objects and gets upset when the order is changed
• Repeats words or phrases over and over (called echolalia)
• Repetitive play styles
• Is focused on parts of objects (for example, wheels)
• Gets upset by minor changes
• Has obsessive interests
• Must follow certain routines
• Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles
• Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

Other Characteristics

Most people with ASD have other related characteristics and these might include:

• Delayed language skills
• Delayed movement skills
• Delayed cognitive or learning skills
• Hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive behavior
• Epilepsy or seizure disorder
• Unusual eating and sleeping habits
• Gastrointestinal issues (for example, constipation)
• Unusual mood or emotional reactions
• Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry
• Lack of fear or more fear than expected

‍

Author: Theresa Scott, Psy.D.

Child Behavioral Health Solutions

Licensed Psychologist (#04444)

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html

‍