How to detect autism in children

Autism is a developmental disorder whose diagnosis can begin to be observed from significant symptoms in the first life stage of the child in the plane of communication, behavior and personal relationships. Parents, through daily observation, are aware of possible differences between their baby's development and other children of a similar age. At that time, they go to a specialist looking for personalized information. How to detect autism in children? In Psychology-Online we tell you what the frequent symptoms are.

Index

1. Symptoms to detect if a child is autistic
2. How the diagnosis of autism affects the family
3. Early Diagnosis of Autism in Children
4. How to treat autistic children

To be able to detect autism in children you can pay attention to some of the most common symptoms in this disease. They are as follows:

1. From the communicative point of view, the child tends to stay in the literal interpretation of words
   and he has a hard time understanding the meaning of a twist of language, a joke, or a funny comment. This tendency to discover the words in their literal message also influences the social interaction itself. Some of the symptoms of autism can begin to be observed from a very young age. For example, one of the signs associated with this diagnosis is the absence of babbling on the part of the baby when he has reached the first year.
2. Play is a visual expression of childhood as a means of entertainment. In relation to leisure and free time habits, the child shows no disposition towards imitation games which are frequent at this stage. However, some toys do acquire unconditional value for him when he observes a safety anchor in those routines.
3. Emotional management. The child may feel overwhelmed by the information of her feelings and emotions due to the difficulty in naming them and verbalizing how he feels at a given moment and what happens to him. This circumstance also interferes in the plane of personal relationships as can be observed in his behavior with other boys and girls of similar ages. The child seems closed in on himself, with no interest in being part of the group due to the tendency towards loneliness. The child seems to be immersed in himself and isolated from his direct context. At other times, you have difficulty taking the initiative in your approach to others.
4. Search for routines. While the child experiences discomfort when there is an unexpected turn in the predictable dynamics of that that he was doing, on the contrary, increases his well-being from routine attitudes that produce security. These routines can even manifest themselves through expressive language. This is the case when the child usually repeats the same concept in her everyday expressions.
5. Body language. The observation of some symptoms is not only linked to the level of oral communication, but also of body language. For example, in relation to this point, the child does not smile when he observes this gesture of happiness or sympathy in other people around her.
6. Lack of stimulus and response. In some situations this scheme occurs. For example, the child seems not to feel alluded when they say her name.

In any case, in Psychology-Online we recommend that you always you go to a specialist for a specialized diagnosis. It has to be a health professional who gives you the autistic diagnosis, therefore, it is essential that you go to him.

A diagnosis of these characteristics has an important impact on parents who feel disoriented in this situation. As we have seen in this article, autism produces visible symptoms at the level of communication, emotions and social relationships on the part of the child. Therefore, in the initial phase of diagnosis, parents experience present and future uncertainty (concern for the evolution of their child).

Just as each diagnosis is unique and unrepeatable, each family situation is also unique. However, in any circumstance it is recommended receive professional advice and support. There are different associations on this subject that offer resources of interest to families.

One of the most important helping factors for the child is the realization of an early diagnosis prior to the start of a treatment that can last a temporary or permanent period. In addition, the symptoms of autism can also manifest themselves to a greater or lesser degree in the child, therefore, each case is totally unique. And treatment must offer a response tailored to this individualized profile. Pedagogical support is also of vital importance to increase children's autonomy.

The treatment itself must also involve the child's parents who, thanks to professional advice, can define everyday goals in coexistence. The support of the environment is very important to enhance the child's evolution.

Now that you know how to detect autism in children, below we are going to discover some tips so that you can know how to relate and improve your relationship with a child with this condition.

1. Activities Calendar. The routine offers security to the child, for this reason, it is advisable to structure the agenda around some essential pillars since the effect of the habit is positive for him. Routine is the roadmap to follow, however, that does not mean that the door should be closed definitively to any novel factor. For example, the child may attend a new workshop on a topic that he likes. However, whenever there is a change in the child's agenda, it should be discussed in advance.
2. Trust in your child's potential. Parents can experience stress when anticipating the future, however, it is essential to live day-to-day literally. It is recommended that, with the support of the professional who cares for your child, you develop the guidelines of a pedagogical plan to train the child taking into account what her needs are.
3. Common time. The game is not only a means of entertainment, but also a form of accompaniment. What are your child's favorite games? Look at this information. By spending time with him, you can also get to know your child better. In this way, you will feel more prepared to practice the empathy of observing reality from your own point of view and not just from your own perspective.
4. Unconditional acceptance at home and also at school. Integration starts from this acceptance of the child as a unique and unrepeatable being. To really know him, it is advisable not to constantly compare him with his siblings or his classmates, but to understand his reality. For example, although it sometimes seems that the child is in her own world, the closeness of the immediate environment is fundamental for him.
5. Dialogue between parents and teachers. This constant communication encourages teamwork to help the child. One of the most important decisions parents can make is the choice of school. Those centers that offer inclusive education in the classroom are a pedagogical benchmark. However, there are also cases in which the option of a special education center should be considered. This decision should be made with the advice of the professional who follows the case.
6. Positively reinforce your child in his achievements since this constant motivation feeds his self-esteem. Use clear, simple and direct language.

In this other article we will talk to you in detail how to treat a child with autism so that you know the guidelines that you have to carry out and improve your coexistence.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to How to detect autism in children, we recommend that you enter our category of Emotional and behavioral disorders.