Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a category of developmental disability that messes up one’s behavioral, communication and social skills. People with autism have no unique bodily deficiency that separates them from others but they can interact, behave and learn differently than most.
Their learning ability can turn from gifted to severely-challenged. Some are in need of continuous aid in their day by day function and task while others do not. Other than that, they have recurring behaviors and oftentimes show a lack of interest in altering their daily tasks.
In order to analyze if your baby has autism spectrum disorder, you need to know the differential diagnosis on the following conditions:
- Autistic disorder
- Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
- Asperger syndrome.
These conditions that used to be diagnosed separately now fall under autism spectrum disorder.
Even with that, identifying ASD can be easier said than done because there are no medical tests involved. Instead, medical professionals base their conclusion on the behavior of the child and his or her development. That said, you can deduce if your child may have ASD if he or she shows the following traits:
- Failing to point or spot objects if pointed by others
- Not looking at things or persons when the other person points at them
- Finding difficulty in relating with others
- Showing lack of concern at other people
- Avoiding eye contact
- Preferring to be alone
- Finding it hard to speak up about their own feelings
- Failing to understand the feelings of other people
- Not wanting to be held or cuddled unless they want to or feel like it
- Being oblivious when people converse with them but show reactions to other sounds
- Echoing words or phrases that were said to them (echolalia) in order to get through want what they want
- Not properly expressing their desires with the use of distinctive words or actions
- Not taking part in “pretend” games
- Having senseless and cyclical actions
- Not adapting in a changing routine
- Having out of the ordinary reactions to their senses (the way things smell, taste, look, feel or sound)
- Losing the abilities they once had
Signs of autism spectrum disorder usually begin during early childhood (approximately at 18 months or younger) and lasts throughout a person’s life. Nonetheless, if the child is diagnosed with ASD by the age of 2 it is already considered very reliable.
Unfortunately, a lot of children do not receive a final diagnosis by a professional until they are much older. This delay signifies that children with ASD are inopportune to access the early help and proper treatment they needed, resulting in their permanent dysfunction.
To prevent this, have your child checked by experts and if the doctor or healthcare professional confirms the condition in your child, it is not the end of the world for you. UC-Cares Home Health Services LLC is willing to assist you for we give Home Health Services in Great Plains Way, Bolingbrook, IL.