SIGNS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND WHAT
Jan 27, 2015 8:29:41 GMT -5
Post by mrsbuttinski on Jan 27, 2015 8:29:41 GMT -5
As a parent, you are in the best position to notice early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD). However, many first time parents have a hard time knowing what to expect in terms
of their child’s development. Even parents with more than one child may not recognize
developmental delay as all children develop at different rates.
Sometimes parents have a “gut” reaction that something is different about their child. Some
children seem more fussy and disagreeable, even when in no apparent distress from hunger,
tiredness, or evident discomfort. Parents of these children may be more likely to seek early
help from their child’s pediatrician.
Other times, a child seems “easy,” making few demands of caregivers and not requiring a lot
of attention. Some children with ASD appear more advanced than their peers, displaying
amazing academic skills or attentiveness beyond their years. Yet what seems like
independence or precociousness may be masking an underlying developmental problem.
Red Flags and Risk Factors for ASD
Knowing what to look for is important for early identification of ASD. Early identification is
important because the earlier ASD or signs of ASD are noted, the sooner treatment can
begin. High quality early intervention services can change a child’s developmental trajectory
and can improve outcomes.
Some of the early signs of ASD include:
● Does not respond to name
● At times, appears to be deaf
● Speaks with an unusual tone or rhythm
● Repetitive motions, such as rocking, spinning, or hand flapping
● Easily upset with change of routine
● Walks on toes
● Unusual attachments to objects or schedules
● Doesn’t know how to play with toys
www.carautismroadmap.org/signs-of-autism-spectrum-disorder-what-to-look-for-and-what-to-do/
There are a number of excellent resources linked at the end of this link.
(ASD). However, many first time parents have a hard time knowing what to expect in terms
of their child’s development. Even parents with more than one child may not recognize
developmental delay as all children develop at different rates.
Sometimes parents have a “gut” reaction that something is different about their child. Some
children seem more fussy and disagreeable, even when in no apparent distress from hunger,
tiredness, or evident discomfort. Parents of these children may be more likely to seek early
help from their child’s pediatrician.
Other times, a child seems “easy,” making few demands of caregivers and not requiring a lot
of attention. Some children with ASD appear more advanced than their peers, displaying
amazing academic skills or attentiveness beyond their years. Yet what seems like
independence or precociousness may be masking an underlying developmental problem.
Red Flags and Risk Factors for ASD
Knowing what to look for is important for early identification of ASD. Early identification is
important because the earlier ASD or signs of ASD are noted, the sooner treatment can
begin. High quality early intervention services can change a child’s developmental trajectory
and can improve outcomes.
Some of the early signs of ASD include:
● Does not respond to name
● At times, appears to be deaf
● Speaks with an unusual tone or rhythm
● Repetitive motions, such as rocking, spinning, or hand flapping
● Easily upset with change of routine
● Walks on toes
● Unusual attachments to objects or schedules
● Doesn’t know how to play with toys
www.carautismroadmap.org/signs-of-autism-spectrum-disorder-what-to-look-for-and-what-to-do/
There are a number of excellent resources linked at the end of this link.
