The symptoms of autism range from mild to severe because autism is a spectrum disorder, which means varying degrees of symptoms affect children in different ways. Autism is a neurologic disorder that affects social interaction and communication skills. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 1 in 110 children in the United States have an autism spectrum disorder. Boys are affected more often than girls and the usual age of symptom onset is about 3 years.
Impaired Language Development
In the June 2009 issue of “American Nurse Today,” Edward Hoffman, Ph.D., and Kathleen Taylor, MPH, MSN RN, discuss how autism impairs language development. Affected children may have a delay in language development. Peculiar speech patterns are common, such as echolalia, which is the repetition of certain words or sounds. Children with autism may use words nonsensically and tend to have a monotone voice when speaking. The CDC reports that some autistic children do not respond to their names, which is a normal 12-month growth and developmental milestone.
Impaired Social Interaction
Social interaction involves verbal and non-verbal communication. Children with autism appear not to pick up on non-verbal clues from others regarding mood and feelings. Children with autism may exhibit poor eye contact when interacting. An attitude of indifference to social interaction is common. Children with autism may lack interest in others, preferring to engage in individual activities.
Abnormal Behaviors
Abnormal behaviors are a symptom of autism that interferes with normal social interaction and communication. An autistic child may have impulsive behavior, acting without regard to safety or other’s feelings. Some children are affected by frequent crying or temper tantrums. Children with autism may form unusually strong attachment to inanimate objects like strings or spinning objects, and attempting to disrupt this play or fascination may trigger a stress response. A child with normal growth and development will engage in pretend play by the age of 18 months; an autistic child may not.
Need for Structure and Routine
Children affected by autism function best when the environment is structured and a regular routine is followed. Changes in routine cause stress; extreme reactions like uncontrolled crying, screaming, tantrums or self injury may result.
Repetitive Body Movements
Another symptom of autism is repetitive body movements. A child with autism may flap his hands in the air, flick his fingers, or slap himself on the head repeatedly. Rocking back and forth is a common body movement as is spinning in circles or pacing.
Sensory Impairment
Autistic children have altered responses to sensory stimulation; a child’s responses may be hypersensitive or absent. Abnormal reactions to bright or flashing lights may occur, such as crying, tantrums, or self injury. Loud sounds or certain pitches and tones of sound can cause similar reactions. Some autistic children are averse to touch; hugs and caresses are intolerable. Protective responses to pain and temperature extremes may be impaired placing autistic children at risk for injury.
References
- Centers for Disease Control: “Autism Spectrum Disorders”
- Centers for Disease Control: “Facts About ASDs”
- “American Nurse Today: Are we making progress against autism?”; Edward Hoffman, Ph.D., & Kathleen Taylor, MSN RN; June 2009
