Understand autism, and you have changed a life forever-and the earlier those signs are caught, the better. Professors, parents, or even someone who’s making an effort to better understand a loved one really benefits by being aware of common autism symptoms. I still recall the time I was just a mere child when my cousin was first diagnosed. At that time, we didn’t know much about it, but as we started learning, things began to clear up.
15 such signs may appear in children or adults: –
1. Avoiding Eye Contact
It might seem that this is one of those minor things, but many children and adults with autism generally avoid looking directly into your eyes. They are not being disrespectful. To them, making eye contact can be an opportunity for their discomfort or an overwhelming experience.
2. Limited or Delayed Speech
Some kids might start talking later than expected. Others may never really talk. I remember a friend’s son never really talked till the age of five; when he did speak, he made use of full sentences.
3. Repeating Words or Phrases
It is called echolalia, whereby an affected individual repeats what she hears. It could be something from a television program or book, or maybe it’s just something you’ve said.
4. Difficulty in Socializing
They might find it hard to even initiate a conversation or seem rather indifferent to socializing. It is not that they do not care. They simply perceive the world differently.
5. Strong Preference for Routines
Changes, though, can be quite disturbing. Even something like a different route to school could induce stress.
6. Intense Interests
They might get deeply engrossed in one subject, such as trains, animals, or numbers-they will know everything about it!
7. Sensitive, Sounds, and Textures
Things like loud places, specific clothing, or even food textures might be unbearable. The daughter of a family friend hated the feel of clothing tags on her clothes.
8. Unusual Body Movements
This can be, say, flapping their hands, rocking backward and forward, or spinning into circles. These movements help with the alleviation of their feelings and emotions.
9. Deficit in Facial Expressions
They may show fewer expressions of emotion. But that does not mean they do not feel things deeply.
10. Difficulties in Understanding Feelings
Sometimes it is difficult for them to read other people’s emotions; sarcasm or jokes will just confuse them.
11. Difficulty Making Friends
They tend to find it hard to make and maintain friendships. It might not be that they don’t want to-they just might not understand these social norms.
12. Speaking in Flat Monotone or Alternative Voice
The peculiar voice may sound flat, literally devoid of any emotion, or totally formal-to speak in types they do not actually.
13. Lack of Coordination
Movements that appear clumsy or instances of difficulty in catching a ball, judging distances, or even using a fork or chopsticks are commonly seen.
14. Avoiding Touch
Hugging, handshaking, or even a pat on the back might be uncomfortable, even painful.
15. Delayed Developmental Milestones
Depending on the kid, they might sit up, walk, or even talk later than most children. But one thing is for sure: we must notice if huge delays occur.
You Are Not Alone
If you see these signs, don’t panic. Lots of autistic people live fulfilling, joyful lives. Help early in life really matters. And for the person who suspects they may have missed the signs in themselves or a loved one, it is never too late to learn.
