Five signs of Autism in preschool aged children.

Autism also known as autism spectrum disorder is a complex developmental disorder that influences communication, social interaction, and behaviour. It is estimated to present in approximately 1 in 100 people are Autisitc. Boys are being diagnosed at a faster rate than girls. This is largely due to the difference in presentation between the genders. Below are Five signs of Autism in Preschool aged children

a group of preschool kids sitting in front of a teacher. signs of Autism — `_{Autistic children may have difficulty with social interaction}`

Here are five signs of autism in preschoolers:

1. Delays in language and communication development

Autistic children may have delays in developing spoken language, or they may not develop speech at all. Because of this they may have difficulty initiating and maintaining conversation. They may not respond to their name being called. Additionally, children with autism may have difficulty understanding sarcasm, irony, and nonverbal cues.

What is interesting is that many autistic children, especially girls have advance speech and communication. Because of this it can sometimes be difficult to identify autistic traits. Girls in particular are prone to Autistic masking. Which means that they are great at imitating speech and behaviour when in public or at school.

One particular sign of masking could be if you have a chatty child at school, however they become non verbal at home. Unable to use words to communicate. They may revert back to toddler behaviour and use their hands to signal requests.

2. Repetitive behaviours and interests

Autistic children may engage in repetitive behaviours such as hand flapping, rocking, or spinning, and they may become fixated on specific objects or activities. This is called stimming.

Your child may use stimming as an aid for sensory overwhelm. It calms them to use repetitive motions or behaviours. Stimming can be observed in high stress situations. It can also be used to express joy and excitement.

Your child may also have unusual interests, such as memorizing train schedules or focusing on spinning objects for long periods of time or watching the same tv program over and over again.

3. Difficulty with social interaction

Autistic children may have difficulty with social interaction, including making eye contact, smiling, and initiating play with others. They may also prefer to play alone, have difficulty sharing, and struggle with understanding personal boundaries.

It is important to seek guidance before forcing eye contact or social interactions. For some autistic individuals maintaining eye contact is difficult. Because it can interfere with memory, information retention and comprehension. The child or individual can process better if they look away from the person speaking.

Similar for social interaction. Autistic children and individuals sometimes have difficulty with friendships. It is important that skills are taught, and that social interaction feels safe. Being forced to socialise may lead to trauma and mental health issues if your child is not supported with early intervention.

A child stacking colourful blocks. signs of Autism — _{Autistic children and individuals sometimes have difficulty with friendships.}

4. Unusual responses to sensory information

Autistic children may have unusual responses to sensory information. Such as becoming overly sensitive to certain sounds, textures, or lights. They may also avoid certain textures, such as clothes that feel too tight, or they may become fixated on certain sensory experiences, such as spinning objects.

You may have a child who is quite restrictive with their food. Because of this they may eat the same food every day. Or perhaps they are reluctant to try new foods. This goes beyond a child just being fussy.

Clothing may present another issue. Preferring a favourite outfit every day. This may because of tags or clothing material that feels itchy or uncomfortable for the child. Sensory issues can present as ridged with both clothing and food.

Sensory processing disorder is very common among autistic children. It is important to seek assistance from an occupational therapist or through early intervention.

5. Lack of imaginative play

Autistic children may have a lack of imaginative play, and they may engage in repetitive and rigid play patterns. They may also have difficulty understanding the emotions and thoughts of others, and they may not engage in pretend play or role-playing games.

Children who are Autistic may prefer to play alone, or struggle to engage with other children as they may be perceived as different from the other children. It is important that the child’s preschool and or school is inclusive and encourages kindness and inclusion.

Summary

It is important to note that these signs can vary in severity and may be present in children without autism. A definitive diagnosis of autism can only be made by a qualified professional, such as a paediatrician, psychologist, or neurologist.

If you suspect that your child is autistic, it is important to seek an evaluation as soon as possible. Early intervention and treatment can have a significant impact on the outcome for children with autism. Treatment may include speech and language therapy, and advice on managing co-occurring conditions such as ADHD or anxiety. You may also be eligible for early intervention through the National Disability Insurance Schee for children 7 and younger.

In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the signs of autism in preschoolers and to seek an evaluation if you suspect your child may be Autisitc. Early intervention and treatment can greatly improve the outcome for Autistic children and provide support for their families.

Facebook Tweet Pin LinkedIn