Autism
Autism
Autism: defined as a complex developmental disability; signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person's ability to communicate, and interact with others. Also is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a 'spectrum condition' that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees.
10 signs to be mindful of
Peculiar Toy Habits. Autistic children have a tendency to want to sort, stack, or place items in rows, lines, or groupings.
Trouble Relating to Others. Autistic children speak the truth that they feel without a filter irregardless to whom they are to speaking.
Sensitive to Sounds. Many autistic children tend to be very sensitive to sound, some being non sensitive, and some having sensitivity to selective sounds. If your child is not aware of sounds please make people aware of this so that people such as firefighters, police, babysitters, and others know and can act accordingly in case of emergency. Check online for window stickers to alert people to this fact.
Struggle With Change. Autistic children are creatures of habit and structure. They can be very distressed if their daily routine is changed. You may want to tell them ahead of time about any changes to their daily routine; it may make things go a little more smoothly.
Speech or Nonverbal Delays. A very key warning sign for parents that autism may be present. Especially if a child is very behind in its vocabulary for its age or isn't speaking at all.
Hyperactive or Passive. This varies among autistic children some are very energetic and others are content to be by themselves and quiet.
Attached to Objects. Autistic children can become attached to items such as pencils, ribbons, and other things that give them comfort. Parents have to be mindful and understanding for some items may be potentially harmful but the children may be very attached to them. So parents may have to make some choices that may not be liked by either side. Outside help may be needed at times.
Lack of Safety. Autistic children may not understand the dangers that they may be putting themselves in or are in and sometimes feel a need for higher sensory input, which can mean doing more thrill seeking activities. So parents please watch them carefully and keep their environment as free from things that they may hurt themselves with or by.
Inappropriate Emotions. Autistic children may react with emotional responses that don't follow social norms but they generally stay true to themselves. They don't mean to be disrespectful but they give you the truth of what they are really feeling whether it matches the situation or not.
Aloof. Autistic children generally are very happy being with themselves and don't necessarily need a lot of interpersonal interaction.