Does your child avoid eye contact, exhibit behavioural challenges? These are early signs of autism that shouldn't be ignored

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are now being educated in inclusive classroom settings. But they often experience isolation and bullying because society does not understand them. Some claim the number of autistic children has increased over time as there is increased awareness of the condition, availability of more specialised developmental services as well as a true increase in cases. This could have led to a rise in ASD diagnosis.

Autism, a neurological condition affecting the brain, is a developmental disorder that manifests in early childhood. It is characterised by persistent deficits in social, communication and behavioural challenges.

It is called a spectrum because there is a wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms and can include children who are high functioning as well as those dependent on caregivers for their daily living. Some of these children have associated intellectual impairment, attention or hyperactivity behaviour and seizures.


Many theories on ASD’s causes have been proven wrong. The reason is usually multifactorial and can be genetic, environmental or both. The condition occurs in all racial, ethnic and socio-economic groups and is more common in males. Also, autism is associated with some genetic conditions such as tuberous sclerosis and fragile X syndrome. These children have impaired socialisation and communication.

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They make little or inconsistent eye contact, do not respond appropriately when their name is called, have difficulties with initiating and continuing conversation. The tone of their voice may sound sing-song or flat and robot-like. Also, some of them show strange facial expressions, movements, gestures and exhibit behavioural problems. Most of them prefer to play alone and have difficulties in making friends.

The other common feature seen is restricted repetitive behaviours such as repeating words or phrases (echolalia), stacking toys and exhibiting stereotyped motor mannerisms. Some show special interest with moving objects and wheels. They do not like changes in their routine and become upset by even small changes. Many of them have sensory problems with altered sensation to light, sound, touch and temperature.

If a child exhibits some of these symptoms, they should immediately be referred for expert advice. Screening tools, questionnaires and a detailed evaluation by a team of specialists can help in confirming the diagnosis.

Even if ASD is suspected, therapy at a child development centre should be initiated immediately. This is because maximum brain development happens during the first few years of life, and this period is critical for learning. There are no medicines to cure ASD. Sometimes medication may be needed for some symptoms. The only way an ASD child’s life can be improved is by giving them specialised services like occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, speech therapy, behaviour modification therapy and special teaching.

The family needs to be counselled as the training is difficult and long drawn. Our society needs to be aware that each child is different and their understanding and support will go a long way in bringing ASD children into the mainstream and help them reach their full potential.

The author is Consultant, Child Development Centre, Amrita Hospital, Kochi

Emotional Distress, Repetitive Behaviour, Impaired Sensitivity: Symptoms Of Autism In Adults

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Autism spectrum disorder, a complex neurobehavioural condition causing problems with communication skills, is usually linked to children. Popularly known as autism, it is characterised by repetitive and rigid behaviour. However, against popular belief, kids are not the only victims of autism.

In most cases, severe forms of autism are diagnosed within the first two years of a child's life. However, in case of high-functioning individuals, the symptoms go unnoticed and untreated until a later stage in life.

This World Autism Awareness Day, acquaint yourself with symptoms of autism in adults.

(Image: Getty)

Autism spectrum disorder, a complex neurobehavioural condition causing problems with communication skills, is usually linked to children. Popularly known as autism, it is characterised by repetitiv..

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Adults with autism usually experience challenges while trying to communicate. Be it at home, with friends or at work, autistic adults have a hard time trying to talk, comprehend and build relationships. Some of these challenges include:

1. Difficulty in relating with others' thoughts
2. Inability to participate in conversations
3. Difficulty in understanding figures of speech
4. Inability to build friendships and relationships
5. Talking in a flat, robotic voice
6. Difficulty in sticking to one conversation

Adults with autism usually experience challenges while trying to communicate. Be it at home, with friends or at work, autistic adults have a hard time trying to talk, comprehend and build relationshi..

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Autistic adults are prone to emotional issues, repetitive and rigid behaviour. From unexpected outbursts to rigidity in work schedules, here are some signs of emotional distress in adults with autism.

1. Difficulty in regulating emotions and responding to them
2. Unexpected outbursts in response to minor changes
3. Rigid work schedules and daily routine
4. Repetitive behaviour

Autistic adults are prone to emotional issues, repetitive and rigid behaviour. From unexpected outbursts to rigidity in work schedules, here are some signs of emotional distress in adults with autism..

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Autistic adults are usually perceived as intellectual people. From a friend or colleague's viewpoint, these are people with deep knowledge of a particular subject and those who excel in non-creative, yet challenging academic subject areas. However, where creativity is required, adults with autism fail to excel.

Autistic adults are usually perceived as intellectual people. From a friend or colleague's viewpoint, these are people with deep knowledge of a particular subject and those who excel in non-creative,..

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Autistic adults are likely to have a clumsy hand. They may also experience difficulty while trying to coordinate.

This group of people may also be less sensitive to sensory inputs like pain, sound and smell.

Autistic adults are likely to have a clumsy hand. They may also experience difficulty while trying to coordinate. This group of people may also be less sensitive to sensory inputs like pain, sound an..

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