Autism certainly has become a well-recognized ailment in 2015; and as no surprise when the stunning facts report that 1 out of every 68 kids is living with some form of Autism. It’s a very complex disorder that effects the child’s development, and one that is generally evaluated by or around age 3. It is vastly more common to be discovered in boys versus girls, and there are a few types of Autism categorized on the spectrum varying from severe cases, to some kids that are incredibly high functioning.
It doesn’t discriminate, it effects children on a global scale regardless of age, weight, race, overall health, social class or any other box you could try to place it in. While thousands of children have great success via therapeutic treatments, it is something they tend to carry well into their adulthood and is considered permanent.
While to you, the photo may just look like some colored sticks; to an autistic child this is a work of art they’ve mastered for hours. They typically prefer to sort items, stack them, place objects in rows or lines, or separate them into groupings they see as fit. It’s not exactly in a ‘neat freak’, or obsessive compulsive fashion, instead this is just something they feel is how they’re comfortable using their toys. Items they thrive over are dominos, playing cards, cars, blocks, anything that can be sorted by color, and so forth.
Autistic children are by no means anymore rude, obnoxious, argumentative, or fussy over any other kid having a moment of misunderstanding. They do however, face challenges grasping to a common ground with their peers, siblings, and even their parents. Remembering that autism is a social disorder, this makes total sense that they struggle making human connections, bonds, and having friends.
Not all, but the vast majority of autistic kiddos have an issue with sounds. They either are completely uninhibited by loud noises, or noise is their worst nightmare. More are on the side of hating noises, but some have the ability to entirely block it out. This can be great for when they need to sleep, or focus in a noisy atmosphere for those that aren’t bothered by noises, but it can also be very dangerous when they aren’t attentive to alarms, cars, or other warning signs around them.
Autistic boys and girls absolutely adore a routine. It doesn’t have to be militant, it just has to be structured as that is what makes them most at ease when they know what to expect. If you are changing classes at school, moving from lunch to reading a book, or removing an iPad to go take a bath; you could very well have a tantrum on your hands in no time. While this can be trying for parents and teachers, keep in mind that knowing generally what their day looks like helps these children stay calm, and confident to complete their tasks for the day.
A very big warning sign for parents early on in the stages of autism is that their children are very behind for their age in speaking, or they don’t speak at all. Most little ones have a pretty vast vocabulary by the age of three years old, and just by visiting your pediatrician regularly parents have a good idea where their kids sit with this piece of development.
A lot of guys and girls with autism have difficulties with their activity level. Many find it hard to sit still, they fidget repetitively, or have body movements such as rocking or flapping their hands. Often, these movements are just a function that makes them feel calm in any situation and do no harm to them. Some are super hyperactive, and others are completely passive and can hang out quietly all day long. Again, no two kids are the same, nor should they be, but speak with your doctor if their hyperactivity is too much as medication can greatly help.
Every little one has something they adore at some point in their life. It could be a teddy bear, a blanket, anything. Autistic kids do this as well, but can also become attached to objects you least expect like pencils for example. They may wish to have these “comfort” items with them always, when they sleep, when they eat, or when they are going outside of the home.
Many children on the spectrum experience a lack of understanding what situations place them into harm’s way. Everything from swimming pools, to crossing streets, to not grasping that something it hot and they shouldn’t touch it. Always be fully aware of your child’s development in this area as they can truly hurt themselves even with something as commonly used as scissors at home.
Autistic children tend to laugh at very inappropriate times, or they cry when you may least expect it. If another child in their presence is sad or has been hurt, these kids may appear lacking empathy by giggling for reasons they honestly have no idea why they’re laughing. Often when they cry or even smile at inopportune times it is because the subject matter or situation makes them nervous, so they react in any way they think is acceptable. It may look terrible, but it isn’t by any stretch done with malicious intent.
These complex kids generally prefer to be by themselves. They are loners by choice, they may play in the same room with other kids, but if you observe them closely they will play next to their peers, but not with them. While most children would be saddened by not being surrounded by playmates, kids on the spectrum are oblivious to it most often than not.
Autism should never be treated like a horrible illness, because it can be enlightening for hundreds of families. These children are incredibly wise, they usually have a unique skill set, and can very interesting people to spend your time with. Before you self-diagnose your children, always have them fully evaluated with a specialist in this field, and try out various types of therapies to see which areas your child can find success with and what things you need to avoid to keep them healthy, safe, and content.
Autism should never be treated like a horrible illness, because it can be enlightening for hundreds of families. These children are incredibly wise, they usually have a unique skill set, and can very interesting people to spend your time with. Before you self-diagnose your children, always have them fully evaluated with a specialist in this field, and try out various types of therapies to see which areas your child can find success with and what things you need to avoid to keep them healthy, safe, and content.
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