Autism is a disorder affecting the neural development of the brain and impacts how information is processed. Autism is considered a spectrum disorder because it can range from mild to severe in impairment. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that as many as six out of 1,000 children may have autism. Males are four times more likely to have autism than girls and this can affect how the signs are recognized. Four major signs of autism are having impaired social skills, poor language and communication skills, repetitive behaviors and sensory abnormalities
Impaired Social Development
Children and adults with autism usually display some form of impairment in their social development. This can take the form of poor eye contact, lack of approaching others, showing no response to emotional situations, and poor body language and other non-verbal cues. A child with autism may have difficulty understanding the concept of taking turns and the dynamic of group projects. The National Institute of Mental Health states that children with autism have major difficulties in forming attachments to others. They may develop attachment with parents and care givers, but the level of emotional and physical connection beyond this immediate degree is limited.
Language and Communication Difficulties
The language development and communication skills of someone with autism is also a unique identifying factor. Children may refrain from engaging in conversation unless the initiation is made by others. A child will usually begin speaking with other children much later in the development stages. The Mayo Clinic states that the speaking style of a child with autism may have rhythmic abnormalities in that it may come out in a sing-song style or even a flat robotic tone. A child may also repeat words or phrases verbatim, but lacks the ability to understand metaphor, humor and other colloquial meanings.
Repetitive Behaviors
Someone with autism may also engage in repetitive and fixed behaviors. A child may stack items in order over and over again, memorize listed items such as schedules or zip codes, and may organize toys to an excessive and obsessive level. The repetitive behaviors may also manifest in how the person engages in play or work. A child may play with one toy or in one section on the playground, mastering its components. The Autism Center at the University of Washington states that a child may have repetitive body movements such as hand flapping or rocking back and forth in his chair. The Autism Center also states that a child will usually show a great resistance to a change in routine.
Sensory Abnormalities
As many as 90 percent of children and adults have one or more forms of sensory abnormalities, according to Dr. Daniel Geschwind of the Center for Autism Research and Treatment. A child with sensory abnormalities may be highly sensitive to light, may walk into walls, have difficulty grasping unfamiliar objects, and may have difficulty engaging in fast paced sports. Sounds, textures, tastes and smells may trigger someone with an autistic specific sensory abnormality. These high sensitivities can subside over time as exposure and normal routine are introduced.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Autism
- National Institute of Mental Health: Autism
- The Mayo Clinic: Autism
- The University of Washington Autism Center: Early Signs
- "Annual Review of Medicine"; Advances in Autism; Daniel Geschwind; February 2009
