What Is Autism?

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

After receiving your child’s diagnosis, you may wonder, “What is autism?”

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition affecting how people communicate, interact, learn, and behave. Since autism is a spectrum disorder, it can manifest in various ways. Each person with autism has different challenges, interests, strengths, and ways of life. 

Autism in children typically displays signs and symptoms between the ages of 18 months and three years. However, as children with ASD grow into adolescence and adulthood, connecting with others and understanding certain expectations and behaviors may become more challenging, leading to anxiety or depression. 

Signs and Symptoms of ASD 

Diagnosing autism spectrum disorder can be challenging since the diagnosis is based on the child’s developmental history and behavior. While professionals can detect ASD at a young age, many children will not receive a final diagnosis until they’re much older. 

Children with autism are all different, but there are some common signs of ASD that you may notice, including: 

• Social interaction and communication challenges: Your child may have difficulty making eye contact, using facial expressions, or understanding social cues. They may also struggle with age-appropriate language.
• Restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests: Your child may become fixated on certain objects or activities and repeat them over and over again. They may also have difficulty adapting to change or have strong reactions to certain sensory stimuli. 
• Learning and daily living challenges: Your child may have difficulty learning new skills or completing tasks that are typically easy for other children in their age group. They may also have difficulty with self-care tasks, such as dressing or eating.

It is important to remember that every child is unique. Some children with autism may have mild symptoms that only affect certain areas of their life, while others may have more severe symptoms that impact their daily functioning. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting a child with autism, but there are many resources available to help you and your child thrive.

Treatments and Therapies

After you receive your child’s diagnosis, your doctor may recommend that you enroll your child in various treatments and therapies, such as ABA therapy. Early intervention is super important for proper care and developmental growth. Starting these treatments as soon as possible will help your child build on their strengths and learn life-fulfilling skills. 

Autism in children can also be accompanied by other complexities, which is why every treatment is individualized. Working closely with health professionals will help give your child the best support to grow and develop. These programs can also give parents advice and tips on practicing and reinforcing these skills at home. Call us at 919-745-8892 or contact us for more information.