Autism is a complex disorder that significantly impairs a person's ability to function in social situations. As of 2010, it's estimated that many as one in 110 children—and one in 70 boys—has some form of autism. Because autism spectrum disorders are so common, anyone who works with children should be aware of the subtle signs of these disorders. The earlier autism is detected and treated, the better chance a child has of reaching his or her full potential.
Delayed Communication
Most autistic people have some form of communication delay. People with severe autism cannot speak, while those who are more high-functioning may be capable of speech but do not use words correctly. They may use uncommon words or phrases, or may repeat memorized, scripted phrases in social situations. This is often the first sign parents and caregivers notice in young children. By six months, a typically developing baby will respond to the presence of his parents or caregivers with smiles, reaching and other signs of attachment. An autistic child may not seem to notice the presence of his parents and other people and may not make eye contact.
Repetitive Behaviors
Many autistic children engage in rigid, repetitive routines. They may insist that the red block must be placed on top of a tower, each and every time the tower is built, or they may need to take a specific route from one room or place to another. Autistic children often have difficulty dealing with even minor changes in their routines.
Other common types of repetitive behavior include spinning in circles and flapping the hands.
Playing Alone
Because autistic children have difficulty communicating and relating to their peers, they often prefer to play alone, although some autistic children do enjoy playing in a group setting. Many will play near other children but will be engaged in their own activity.
Social Anxiety
Autistic individuals often have difficulty regulating their emotional reactions to social situations. They may have a far more severe reaction to situations such as a crowded store or loud movie than a typical person would. These situations present an unbearable level of sensory stimulation, and a common response by someone with autism is to try to block out the stimulus by covering the ears, humming or curling into the fetal position. Less severely autistic children may react to overwhelming situations by crying and clinging to a parent or caregiver, or by spinning in circles, running, climbing, jumping and releasing the tension physically.
Getting Help
If you suspect that your child, or a child you work with, may have an autism spectrum disorder, it is important that you speak up and have the child evaluated or encourage the parents to do so. Autism is not something the child will grow out of or that will get better on its own, but through early intervention strategies, therapies and teaching techniques, many children with autism can learn to function correctly in a variety of social situations. The earlier autism is diagnosed, the better chance the child has of learning to overcome his or her social difficulties.
