Autistic Pride Day 2023: Experts reveal early signs and symptoms of autism in children

Autistic Pride Day is an annual celebration celebrated on June 18 to raise awareness and promote acceptance of autistic individuals. It is a day dedicated to recognizing the unique strengths and contributions of people on the autism spectrum. Autistic Pride Day grew out of the larger neurodiversity movement, which advocates for recognizing and accepting neurological differences, including autism, as natural variations of the human brain. The movement aims to challenge negative stereotypes, reduce discrimination, and promote inclusiveness for autistic individuals in society.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders. Others have intellectual disabilities, specific learning disorders, or specific language development disorders. However, autism spectrum disorder is characterized by difficulty with socialization and communication. These children have delays in speech, and social milestones, and other milestones may be normal or mildly delayed, but the delay in speech and social milestones is very pronounced.

Dr PS Narang, Director – Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, explains the causes, signs and treatment of autism in children.

causes of autism in children

Dr Narang explains, “Neurodevelopmental disorders can occur without any risk factors, but in some cases, a history of prematurity, low birth weight, postnatal infection or neonatal infection is a factor.”

“Hence every child needs regular developmental assessment, regular screening, and early intervention if there is any delay in sensory or motor stimulation. Any delay requires early intervention and it is important for parents to not only Doesn’t recommend waiting and watching. But many children don’t speak initially. But every child who doesn’t speak needs to be addressed and fully assessed,” he added.

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At what age does autism occur?

Dr. Narang said, “Autism is a developmental disorder that begins in the early years of life. There is impairment in the child’s social and communication skills, including both verbal and non-verbal communication, such as poor response to name calling, and poor eye contact, and the child is living in their own world and has some repetitive, restrictive patterns doing behavioral activities or moments.

“Children with autism usually present with other associated psychiatric or medical conditions from time to time, but speech delay, poor eye contact, not responding to name call, is one of the most familiar presentations. Routine All children coming for vaccination or checkup should be screened and have a developmental check-up,” he adds.

signs of autism in children

Dr. Narang said, “There are some red flag signs in autism. These are no smiles, no warmth and joyful expressions by the age of six months. Usually by six months, a child smiles back, responds, and Makes noises but no big smiles or joyful expressions are presented until the age of six months for autistic children.

“No, back and forth signals, sounds, sharing smiles by nine months. No babbling by 12 months. No gestures like bye-bye, hand waving by 12 months and no words by 16 months and Not having any purposeful speech by 24 months is an important sign.

treatment for autism in children

Dr. Narang explains that the child needs to be thoroughly assessed and treated regularly. That treatment includes:

– Educating parents about developmental domains and medication.

There is no such medicine for autism spectrum disorder. Medication is sometimes used to control hyperactivity.

Parents should be advised to undergo regular developmental screening, occupational therapy, ABA therapy, and speech therapy.

– Avoiding screen time is very important as any screen time on TV or mobile deprives the child of social interaction and social stimulation, hence affecting the general development.

All home-based interventions should be planned and the child given regular encouragement to avoid or treat this specific language and social disorder.