Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children

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• What is autism spectrum disorder?
• What are the symptoms of autism?
• Services, support, and resources

What is autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that usually appears during the first three years of life. A child with autism appears to live in his or her own world, showing little interest in others, and a lack of social awareness. The focus of an autistic child is a consistent routine and includes an interest in repeating odd and peculiar behaviors. Autistic children often have problems in communication, avoid eye contact, and show limited attachment to others.

Autism can prevent a child from forming relationships with others, in part, because of an inability to interpret facial expressions or emotions. A child with autism may resist cuddling, play alone, be resistant to change, and have delayed speech development. People with autism tend to exhibit repeated body movements, such as flapping hands or rocking, and have unusual attachments to objects. However, many people with autism excel consistently on certain mental tasks, such as counting, measuring, art, music, or memory.

Learn more about autism spectrum disorder

What are the symptoms of autism?

The following are the most common symptoms of autism. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Does not socially interact well with others, including parents:
  • Shows a lack of interest in, or rejection of physical contact. Parents describe autistic infants as "unaffectionate." Autistic infants and children are not comforted by physical contact.
  • Avoids making eye contact with others, including parents
  • Fails to develop friends or interact with other children
• Does not communicate well with others:
  • Is delayed or does not develop language
  • Once language is developed, does not use language to communicate with others
  • Has echolalia (repeats words or phrases repeatedly, like an echo)
• Demonstrates repetitive behaviors:
  • Has repetitive motor movements (such as rocking and hand or finger flapping)
• Is preoccupied, usually with lights, moving objects, or parts of objects
• Does not like noise
• Has rituals
• Requires routines

The symptoms of autism may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.

How is autism diagnosed?

Standard guidelines have been developed to help identify autism in children before the age of 24 months. In the past, diagnosis of autism was often not made until late preschool-age or later. The guidelines can help identify children with autism early, which means earlier, more effective treatment for the disorder.

According to the guidelines, all children before the age of 24 months should routinely be screened for autism and other developmental delays at their well-child check-ups. Children that show developmental delays and other behavior disorders should be further tested for autism.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children should be screened for autism spectrum disorders at 18 months and 24 months, regardless of whether any signs are apparent or any concerns have surfaced about a child’s developmental progress.

By screening children early for autism, those diagnosed with the disorder can be treated immediately and aggressively.