Sometimes it is hard to determine what is normal and not normal in terms of children’s development because each child has its own phase in development. Through proper observation of our children, we can see if our children are left behind.
The following are the key points to determine if our child has autism or not:
- Sensory issues
Most autistic kid has sensory issues including severe meltdowns in public places because he cannot tolerate loud noises, distracted to background noises that others seem not to hear it, avoids hugs and cuddling even with parents, fearful of climbing even though there is no real danger.
- Line up things
Most children love to line up things such as cars or stuffed toys. The difference between a child with autism and a normal child is that a child with autism will line up things exactly the same way every time and getting upset when there is a change in the line up. A child with autism will throw tantrums if you change the red for the blue car in the line up.
- Pretend play
Most of 15 to 18 months old children know the pretend game. For instance, if you give him a car, he will pretend to drive the car on the road and make appropriate car noises. Younger babies may mouth the car, spin the wheels, and hold the car in different position either upside down but the 18 months old perceive the car as a car and make it act accordingly. Other pretend games are uses empty spoon to feed his mother or take the baby doll in the bed and cover it with blanket.
- Eye contact
Lack of eye contact or limited eye contact is a sign of delayed social development. Eye contact is a sign that a child is paying attention and engaged with another person.
- Speech delay
Two years old toddler should speak 2 to 3 word sentences or phrases to communicate their needs. Delayed speech is also a sign of autism since autism is a communication disorder.
- Social interaction
At the age of three (3), children enjoys playing and interacting with other children with the same age. Children should be interested to other children.
- Regression
Parents should notice if their children stop talking and stop communicating normally with family and friends.
If you suspect that your child has autism, you should bring her or him to developmental behavioral pediatrician to evaluate your child and prepare for the early intervention program. The pediatrician will address the needs of your child to catch up with his/her delays.