Common signs of autism spectrum disorder

Whether you are a teacher or a parent you must be familiar with the developmental milestones of a child. Autism spectrum disorder shows its symptoms in early age of a child. Symptoms can be different in different children.
Autism spectrum disorder is characterised by social, behaviour, mental impairments. These impairments can effect the daily functioning of individuals. Here are some early signs.

Eye contact and social smile

From the very early age of 6 months a child may show less or none eye contact and social smile will be absent. An autistic child will avoid eye contact most of the time.In some cases eye contact may be present.

Speech delay 
At the age of 12 months normal children start babbling and some may start picking the words for speech. An autistic child does not try to babble or babbling or any kind of spe

8ech is absent in these children. In most of the cases this symptom is observed.

Inappropriate play

If you give car to your son on his birthday. What will you expect? Ofcourse you will expect he will be curious about the speed, lights, color or shape of the car. Your child will tell you how fast the car moves or it looks like his favourite car. An autistic will not take interest in all these things. Hemay just notice the wheels of the car.

Repetitive movements
 Repetitive behaviour includes hand flapping, fingers flicking, head banging, spinning, jumping or rocking. In some cases one of these is observed and in some cases combination of these is observed.

Echolalia

Just like repetition of body movements repetition of sounds or phrases is also observed. Child may repeat your words again and again. If you say 'you are a nice boy' an autistic child may pick it and repeat this phrase again and again.

Fixation to some object or behaviour

Autistic children do not like change whether in their routines, habits or seasonal changes. Sometimes they dont like to change their clothes. They may like only one toy and if you try to take that toy or replace it with another good one they will not like it and they may show tantrums. Lining up the objects is also seen. Likewise they may dislike any object if you try to give that object to them they will show tantrum. If a child is fixated to a feeder he does not like the colour of feeder or anything about it. If you give that feeder to them at some point he will be disturbed.

There are alot more symptoms of autism it is a huge spectrum. I will cover more some day later. These are the most common which i have mentioned above.