Autism Symptoms

Autism symptoms during Childhood

Initial symptoms of autism are often noticed by a child’s parents or caregivers, especially within the first 3 years because any congenital signs of the disorder which are present at birth are difficult to identify or diagnosed during infancy.

It is only when the child starts to exhibit signs of being disinterested in playing certain games such as peekaboo, or does not begin to talk when other members of his playgroup or age starts to talk, or more frightening to the parents, begin to lose his or her language skills after starting to talk for a while. This condition often confuses the parents, especially about the child’s hearing abilities. In many cases, the child does not seem to be able to hear, but at other times, he or she may appear to hear some distant background noise.

Here are two videos on how you can recognize early signs and symptoms of autism in children

However, against popular opinion, very few children with autism are completely unsociable, or live in a world of their own. With powerful and effective strategies and early intensive treatment, most children can improve in relating to others, can communicate well and help themselves in coping as they grow older.

Autism symptoms as a teenager

As a child moves into his or her teenage years, behavioral patterns will often change. While they will gain new skills or deepen old skills, most austistic children still lag behind in social skills such as relating to or understanding others. This places pressure on the autistic child as he or she moves into puberty and begin to recognize emerging sexuality.

It is during this phase of life that teens are at higher risk of developing problems that may lead to anxiety and depression and in some cases epilepsy.

Autism symptoms in adulthood

As an adult, the level of intelligence and communication abilities and skills of the adult with autism will impact on his ability to live independently. From statistics, 33% of adults with autism can achieve a partial independence.

There is a stark contrast between the adult with autism needing heavy assistance and those who have high functioning autism.
In cases where the adults possess low level of intelligence and find difficulty in speaking, these adults with autism will need part time or full time supervision in residential treatment programs. On the contrary, where the autistic adult has an average to above average intelligence, these adults often are able to succeed in their professions. While they may continue to have some difficulties relating to other people, they are able to live independently.

Other symptoms of autism

1. There is a similarity of symptoms to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for many people with autism. But these symptoms, especially problems with social relationships, are more severe for people with autism.

2. It seems there is a compensatory effect in about 10% of people with autism where the loss of behavioral skills will lead to some form of savant skills-special limited gifts such as drawing skills and artwork, memorizing lists, calculating calendar dates, drawing, or musical ability. Of this, I was most impressed by the savant Kim Peak who, while he needed full time care, yet was able to display spectacular memory skills.

3. Many people with autism have unusual sensory perceptions in terms of sense of touch and feel. For
example, a light touch may be described as painful and deep pressure may be described as a calming feeling. Some do not feel pain at all. Some people with autism have strong food likes and dislikes and unusual preoccupations.

4. Sleep problems occur in about 40% to 70% of people with autism.

To complete this discussion on autism symptoms, here is another video explaining the early signs of autism as a matter of overall review.

And finally, based on what you know, can you find a connection between Einstein and autism? Here is a video that you should watch before you make your assessment.