Learn how to identify symptoms of mild autism, including high functioning and asperger syndrome behavior. Because autistic disorder is considered to be classified on a spectrum ranging from mild to severe, there are many different autism types.
Diagnosing autism can especially be difficult when the symptoms tend to overlap with signs of other disorders including ADHD and signs associated with sensory processing disorder.
There may even be cases where they are really caused by other things, such as a child’s sleep problems or food allergies.
Each child is individual and unique in his/her own right and the combination of signs will usually vary for each child. Sometimes children may display symptoms and then after a short period of appropriate interventions show no signs at all. Some of these may include:
• Little or no eye contact
• Limited communication, including words and gestures
• Difficulty initiating or sustaining conversations and social interaction
• Very little pretend play or ability to imitate others
• Frequently playing alone
• Inappropriate play with toys- e.g. staring at the wheels spinning on a car as opposed to pushing it and making car noises
• Repeating questions instead of responding with an answer
• Literal thinking – inability to understand sarcasm or certain types of jokes
• Preoccupation with the same toy
If you feel that your child may be showing any of those listed above, be sure check out the page with more information about signs-symptoms of autism or download the free checklist. This can be used to determine whether your child might need further evaluation.
I would also be sure to talk with your child’s pediatrician and contact your local school district. School districts will usually provide a free evaluation and may determine that your child qualifies for free or low cost services, including speech therapy for children, occupational therapy, and/or behavioral services.
Having a child work with a developmental therapist focusing on pretend play, appropriate play with toys and social skills may be necessary. Getting occupational therapy services for signs associated with a sensory disorder, in order to develop a sensory diet, may also be very beneficial.