Contents:
- Medical Video: The Signs of Autism
- What are the symptoms and characteristics of autism in children?
- Characteristics of autism in infants aged less than 12 months
- Symptoms of autism in children aged 12 to 24 months
- Symptoms of autism in children aged 2 years and above
- What should you do if there are signs of autism in your child?
Medical Video: The Signs of Autism
Autism is a neurological development disorder characterized by disorders in social interaction, language development, and communication. The characteristics of autism vary from the lightest to the most severe so children need special attention.
Symptoms of autism in children can be seen starting from the first three years of life. Some children show symptoms of autism from birth but there are also children who initially appear to have normal development and the symptoms of autism are only seen at the age of 18-36 months.
What are the symptoms and characteristics of autism in children?
In general, children with autism have difficulty communicating. They are difficult to understand about what other people think and feel. This makes it difficult for them to express their willingness through spoken language, body language and facial expressions.
In addition to interference in communication, children with autism also often do repetitive body activities or movements such as shaking or shaking their hands. They tend to do their own activities and are not interested in their environment.
To detect autism early, knowledge is needed to have normal child development in general. Therefore, signs of autism in children can be divided based on their age. The following are signs of autism in children according to their age.
Characteristics of autism in infants aged less than 12 months
- There is no eye contact when invited to speak.
- Don't smile back to you when you invite him to talk or smile
- Does not respond to sound.
- Not interested when invited to play together.
- The child does not turn when his name is called.
Symptoms of autism in children aged 12 to 24 months
- Cannot use everyday equipment such as toothbrushes, combs or toys.
- No words to start talking. At the age of 16 months, children can usually start speaking one word and at the age of 24 months, children can speak two words.
- Unable to follow orders.
Symptoms of autism in children aged 2 years and above
- Avoid eye contact.
- Late language skills. Children are difficult to tell what they need. Some children cannot even speak at all.
- Have a strange speaking pattern. Intonation of a child's speech is inappropriate or sounds flat. Children often repeat the same word.
- Don't have interest in playing with other people.
- Cannot mimic the shape of an object such as drawing a ball.
- Having problems in behavior. Children become hyperactive, impulsive or aggressive.
What should you do if there are signs of autism in your child?
If you find these signs in your child, you should immediately check your child to a pediatrician or child psychiatrist for therapy. Therapy that starts early can alleviate the symptoms of autism that the child suffers and prevent it from developing into severe.
