How To Identify Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex developmental disorder that includes constant challenges in speech social interaction, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and nonverbal communication. The severity of symptoms and the effects of ASD are different in each child. The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is based on behaviors that can vary on the basis of the patient’s language skills, cognitive level, and age.

ASD is a developmental condition that includes a group of complex developmental as well as neurological disorders that affect the development of a child's brain and further causes communication, social, and behavioral challenges. ASD medical diagnosis doesn’t include any special tests as till now it can only be diagnosed on the basis of behavioral differences.

Common signs of ASD:-

The signs of ASD usually begin to appear during early childhood and generally last throughout the life of the patient. Patients with autism spectrum disorder usually have difficulty with social interactions. They also have difficulty in verbal and nonverbal communication. Some patients also face restricted interests or repetitive behaviors. All these conditions are counted as signs for diagnosing this disorder.

Focus:-

Some patients with autism spectrum disorder become excessively focused on certain objects. They don’t make eye contact while calling their name or talking to them. Some children develop socially as well as communication skills in diverse ways and also at different ages.

Up to 12 months:-

The child with ASD who is up to 12 months, plays with the toys in limited or an unusual manner, and do not babble, or show less interest in people, but high interest in objects. Such children also show repetitive movements with their hands, head, arms, or fingers. Some babies, with ASD rarely making eye contact.

Upto 6 months to 2 years:-

A child with ASD by the age of 6 months usually doesn’t smile widely. They also don’t make joyful, or warm expressions. Up to 2 years of age such kids don’t have any interest in playing with the other children. They also move in unusual ways, repeat the phrases or words without even understanding them. Some kids also show tantrums, because they have trouble controlling their emotions.

Patients with autism spectrum disorder usually get upset even with the minor changes in their routine or surroundings. They not only just have highly restricted interests, but also have delayed language development or remains nonverbal.

Diagnosis:-

For diagnosing a child with autism spectrum disorder, the healthcare professionals firstly observe the child’s levels of development, his or her behavior, and communication. For this diagnosis, they generally keep their focus on the child’s mental abilities, and verbal skills. Hey also pay attention to the behaviors that are related to the child's interests and activities.

Under the ASD medical diagnosis, it is important to understand that how much the child finds it difficult to communicate socially and has restricted, repetitive behavior. Along with this, they also pay attention to the way the child relates to others and make repeated actions while speaking, moving, or using the objects.