Welcome to part 2 of comparing your kids. Last week I said that it’s okay to compare your kids. It’s a good thing even. You can read about my reasons why in Comparing your kids Part 1.
Today I would like to talk about the typical signs and symptoms of Autism or ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can also read about the missed signs and symptoms of autism.
I created an easy to read checklist. It consists of some of the most common signs and symptoms of autism compared to a typically developing child. Sign in below to get your free PDF printable.
ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder
Just like it says in the name, it’s a spectrum. It’s a wide spectrum. Kid’s can have very mild symptoms or can be very extreme. I’m not an expert by any means. I highly encourage parents to do their own research and talk to your child’s pediatrician.
Just a few years ago there was Aspergers Syndrom and Autistic Disorder. Recently, however, the manual from the American Psychiatric Association, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), have combined Asperger’s and Autistic Disorder and now they are all considered under ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder. Because it is a spectrum there are also levels. Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. This Parent Connect website does a very good job of describing the Levels.
When to look for symptoms
Typically autistic tendencies present themselves at 18-24 months. You can definitely notice differences between your child and other children. If you know what you should be looking for you’ll be able to notice things. If you have concerns bring it up with your child’s pediatrician immediately. If they don’t think you should be concerned, get a second opinion. DO NOT LET IT GO.
If you have any concerns do not let it go!
The earlier your child get’s diagnosed, the earlier they will get help the better they will function in our world.
In our case, looking back now there were some things C was doing or not doing that was not typical at that age. Honestly, I think that when C was 18-24 months we were so concerned with him learning to walk and then his eyes and his speech that we didn’t notice anything else, or we just ignored it.
If you have any concerns I also suggest you take note of things that you think are weird or out of the ordinary. You can always compare those to autism signs and symptoms.
Signs of autism can present themselves at a later age as well. C was diagnosed at 6. As he got older his quirks and little “weird” things he was doing started standing out and basically taking over. He was in school so his social awkwardness began to stand out. C’s autistic traits are not the most common. It was hard to even believe he may be on the spectrum.
What are the signs and symptoms of ASD Autism Spectrum Disorder
There are so many different signs, symptom, and traits. And they present themselves differently in everyone. There is a common saying in the autism community, “if you meet one person with autism, you met one person with autism”. Every single person is unique. I highly recommend you study your child, take notes and compare.
Again I would highly suggest talking to your child’s doctor. They can give you many great resources and a checklist.
Autismcitizen.org has a very clear, easy to understand list of autism traits. This is a list of common traits.
Autismspeaks.org goe’s into a little more detail about what you would be seeing if your child has autism.
Autismparentingmagazine.com has a great list of autism signs in infants and children. They even have a great downloadable checklist.
Autism-society.org lists some common traits by age. They also provide other resources.
National Institute of Mental Health website goes into a lot of detail and does a good job of describing the characteristics. Some of the uncommon ones too. They also talk about the process of getting diagnosed.
Helpguide.org has a lot of really good resources and information on Autism.
Autismclassroom.org has these really great visuals. They helped me create my own visual for C’s Sunday school teacher that I talk about in this post. I like these because they mention some uncommon traits.
I hope these links will be helpful to you. And don’t hesitate to comment and ask me questions. I’ll be more than happy to help a fellow parent.
And don’t forget you can get your own Autism signs and symptoms checklist just by signing up. It includes the most common traits that you should look for.
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him…” Psalm 37:5
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