Autism is a spectrum of inter-related disorders with a shared base of symptoms. This neurodevelopmental disorder first appears in infancy or a child’s formative years. Autism can affect the way your child interacts with others in social settings, causing them to become isolated and withdrawn from their social groups.
Activities and tasks such as learning to walk, talk and play are all critical areas of a child’s development and failure to recognize and treat the signs of autism will end up affecting your child’s development and quality of life. Autism exists on a spectrum, with some children exhibiting mild symptoms, while others may have severe impairments.
The primary areas of your child’s mental health that will be affected by autism include: their ability to relate to others and view the world around them, as well as issues with communicating both verbally and non-verbally with others.
The cause of autism is still relatively unknown by the medical community. However, research suggests that the disorder may be genetic and occurs in the pre-natal stage of a child’s development.
Environmental stimulus received during the prenatal stage may also play a significant role in the impact of the severity of the disorder. Stress, pollution, and environmental toxins may all play a role in the development of autism in children during the pre-natal stage. Here are seven common signs of autism in children that every concerned parent should be aware of to spot markers of the disorder.(1)
7 Signs and Symptoms
#1 Your baby does not make eye contact or look at you when being fed. Signs of emotion such as smiling and responding to their name may be absent from their behavior.
#2 Your baby has trouble with coordination, struggling to follow objects visually or respond to gestures.
#3 Your baby shows a lack of response to cuddling or being picked up and a lack of concern or empathy for any emotional distress experienced by the parent.
#4 Your baby does not show any interest in activities going on around them.
#5 Developmental delays that should be a red flag for you are; no baby-talk in the first year after birth, as well as no spoken words by the time they reach 16 months.
#6 Signs of Autism symptoms become diverse as children age. The primary symptoms arise around the areas of speech and language, social skills, and communication challenges.
#7 Does your child struggle with using language correctly? Issues with grammar and spelling are often frequent and come as a result of learning to talk later in their development.
Moving Forward with Autism in Your Childs Life
The medical community is divided on the best course of treatment for children living with Autism. The one thing that all doctors, parents, and experts do agree on conclusively is that early intervention makes all of the difference in treating and managing the condition. (2)
Note on Children and Psychiatric Disorders
Just because your child is diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder does not mean a lifetime of dependence on medications. In many cases, these conditions are treatable and preventable with the right balance of lifestyle adjustments, moral support, and mindful practices.
Do your research and explore all the options available to you. Also, trust your instincts from time to time; you know your children better than anyone. If you suspect that your child’s course of treatment is only worsening his/her condition, seek a second or third opinion.
An integrative, holistic approach has been shown to treat many cases with great success. Looking at environmental factors and any underlying conditions will play a big role in understanding the best course of treatment for each patient. With targeted nutrition counseling, planning and counseling, and adaptable treatments, your child certainly has a bright future ahead.
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Could it also be ADHD? Read about signs and symptoms about ADHD here>>
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