Autism is a spectrum of neuro-developmental disorders, affecting social interactions, communication, movement and behavior. Autism can range from mild to severe and is often treated with behavior modification and psychosocial education. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, up to six out of every 1,000 children may be diagnosed with some form of autism. In addition, boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism. The behavioral symptoms of autism can vary by age, severity and the level of interventions already applied. One of the hallmarks of autism is impaired social functioning and a child's behavioral symptoms can depend greatly on his level of social skills.
Irregular and Stereotyped Movements
Children and teens with autism often display irregular or stereotyped body movements. They may be completely unaware of these movements and may engage in them when nervous or upset. Repetitive movements may act as a calming mechanism for some children with autism even though the behaviors can create additional social stigma. In the January 2010 issue of "Disability Studies Quarterly," Anne Donnellan and associates listed several common irregular and stereotyped behaviors commonly found in children with autism. These included: tapping, grimacing, rocking, shrugging, copying other people's actions, hand flapping and wringing, uncontrollable dancing gestures, spasms, toe walking, hopping and skipping. Some of these behaviors may become apparent as early as age 3, while other behaviors may not manifest until puberty.
Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior
Children and teens with autism often become obsessed with themes, objects and subjective areas of interest. These obsessions often affect behavior and may result in compulsive actions. Children may become fixated on certain objects and how they work, taking them apart over and over again. The text-revised fourth edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" states that an essential criterion for autism is an encompassing with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus. This intensity or focus on an object or theme may come to an end, resulting in the formation of a new theme or object of obsession.
Ritual and Routine
The diagnostic criteria also call for apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines and rituals. Children with autism may have a set and specific playground ritual that involves mastering a specific skill or toy. According to Brighttots.com, an online resource, children with autism often engage in obsessions and rituals as a way to feel comfortable within their environment. This may suggest why children with autism often become very upset when an object of obsession is taken away or a daily routine is interrupted.
Temper Tantrums
Children with autism commonly display temper tantrums and engage in violent or destructive behavior. According to Dr. Sandy Enloe at Sevier County Special Education, Tennessee, children often engage in challenging behavior and temper tantrums as a result of environmental constraints rather than out of malice or vindictive nature. Children may injure themselves or others or may become physically uncontrollable and start shaking violently.
Oppositional Behavior
A child or teen may also start screaming loudly and pose significant difficulty when parents try to remove him from the environment. Children with autism may become oppositional when entering an environment or situation that in unfamiliar to their usual grasp. This may result in extreme fear, anxiety or anger. Parents who experience this problem often may coach their child ahead of time about new experiences and locations.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Autism Fact Sheet
- "Disability Studies Quarterly"; Rethinking Autism: Implications of Sensory and Movement Differences; Anne M. Donnellan et al; January 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Autism Diagnostic Criteria
- Brighttots.com: Autistic Behaviors
- Sevier County Special Education: Behaviors in Autistism Spectrum Disorders
