More and more children are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This has also revealed that there are more boys with it than there are girls. The diagnosis methods have also gotten better, with early detection now possible. These have led to better handling of those detected cases. ASD comes with certain signs which shall tell you whether your child is battling it or not. You can learn more here about such signs, and what to do when you see them.
Autism is a disability that will not impose any unusual physical traits on the child, but will affect their social, behavioral, and communication abilities. Autistic kids will learn, behave and think differently than other kids. ASD symptoms are on a case by case basis. There are those who suffer only slight deviations from the normal. Others are adversely affected and thus need care and assistance all their lives.
There is no one thing that can be said to be the cause. But there are certain confirmed contributory factors. There is genetics, which may leave one with a higher chance of getting it. Parents who choose to conceive at a later stage of their lives risk autism manifesting in their child. You may also see some complications in pregnancy and childbirth being the cause.
When you wish to find out if your child has autism, you have to look at certain symptoms. When you remember that these signs show differently as per each person, you will be more keen as you observe. You will find some common ones that will help you get a better diagnosis. Poor social skills is a common one, where anti-social behavior such as needing to be alone, not responding to their names, and such is most prevalent. They may also have difficulty communicating. They may develop their speech later, or not at all. Their speech and ability to detect changes in others’ will also lack. This is why some of them cannot get a joke or sarcasm. They may also behave in specific ways, either frequent repetition, or needing to have things done in a specific way no matter when it is done. They shall struggle with their milestones throughout. Some meet then later on, while others may not ever meet some of them.
There is a need to find a good management system for your child. There are some good ones out there, some meant for specific symptoms, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, aba therapy, RDI, and others. You shall discover more ways to approach the matter that shall be handy in your specific case on this site. You need to also make sure you take the child to a specialist for more diagnosis of the condition. You can read more about how to support your child here.