Text 10. Signs of Autism

Children with autism have strong emotions, and it can be tough for them to know how to let out their feelings appropriately.

Children with ASD may fail to respond to their names and often avoid eye contact with other people. They have difficulty interpreting what others are thinking or feeling because they can’t understand social cues, such as tone of voice or facial expressions, and don’t watch other people’s faces for clues about appropriate behavior. They lack empathy.

Children with autism face enormous struggles when attempting to interact with their typically developing peers. More children are educated in integrated settings; however, play skills usually need to be explicitly taught, and play environments must be carefully prepared to support effective social interactions.

Children with autism often behave in unusual ways. Their activities are limited, and they may become very upset if there is some change in their environment or daily routine. For example, some may have temper tantrums if a piece of furniture in their room is moved or if they are put at a different place at the dinner table.

Autistic children are often withdrawn and quiet, and usually have a very difficult time expressing themselves, so much so that they rarely try. It was long believed that autism was a form of mental retardation, but this is not the case. Autistic children are often extremely bright. Autism treatment helps the kid to again try to express themselves and encourage to get out of isolation.

In both children and adults, the signs and symptoms of the autism spectrum disorders include problems with social skills, speech and language, and restricted activities and interests. However, there are enormous differences when it comes to the severity of the symptoms, their combinations, and the patterns of behavior.

Autistic children benefit the most from programming that introduces new materials as quickly as the child's patience and attention span will allow. Pictures may be employed in order to visually show children the action or explanation for a word.

Parents of children with autism - particularly those with newly diagnosed children - face a dizzying array of options that can be absolutely overwhelming. Parents of children with autism deserve all of the information needed to consider possible treatments carefully and to make the most informed decision for their child.

Most children with autism either become overwhelmed by too much sensory stimulation, or get frustrated because they crave it. Learn to read your child's needs and accommodate their environment accordingly. For instance, if your child is screaming and blocking his or her ears, create a quiet environment.

(Source: Education Articles, Special Education. 2011)

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