Autism is a disability that spans a complex developmental range. It is usually detected within a person’s first three years of life. A neurological disorder is considered to be the main reason why the child’s brain function is affected, as well as his communication and social interaction skills.
The common difficulties that children with autism face include an extreme struggle with interacting with the world around them. This includes difficulty with several emotional or social interaction skills, like developing empathy for other people, keeping eye contact, having constant physical contact, as well as understanding non-verbal cues. They also usually dislike sudden loud noises or sudden smells and changes in the intensity of lighting in a room. They will also sometimes have trouble with speech, as well as enjoy repetitive actions the most.
But how does a child develop differently when he has autism compared to those who do not? Although children typically mature at varying rates, the most dramatic differences are outline below:
1. Unpredictable learning milestones are common among children with autism. This includes some autistic children whose cognitive skills develop very fast while leaving language and social skills trailing behind. Or it can be the other way around, with language skills developing rapidly while their motor skills get left behind. They may also learn some things faster than other children, but wind up forgetting them completely at a later time.
2. Infant developmental milestones that pediatricians typically check to determine autism at an early age include detecting if a baby has still not been smiling by six months of age, not babbling or making any gestures by twelve months, not using one-word speech by 16 months, not speaking at least two-word phrases by 24 months, or showing a developmental regression, with any degree of loss of social skills or language.
3. Children with autism, since they like repetitive behavior and seem to find comfort in them, may be fond of using repetitive language, known as being “echolalic,” which comprises of words and phrases that they repeat over and over. They may also not react as joyfully as most children and not smile as often.
4. Children with autism can sometimes have tics, or jerky physical movements. Some of these occurrences can be complicated and continue for a long time. Some people with autism can control the tics, while others cannot. Although parents usually panic when they first see these tics, they are not really anything to worry about. Many children with autism who have tics find them quite enjoyable, and they may even have a special spot where they like to have them, usually a private nook that is spacious enough.
5. Obsessions are common among children with autism. This may be related to the autistic child’s intense need for routine. For example, patterns of activities done during the day have to be in the right order for children with autism, or else they get frustrated. This obsessive-compulsive behavior is not usually found in kids who do not have autism. This obsession may also extend to lining up toy or other objects with excessive intensity.
6. Some babies with autism usually do not respond to cuddling, do not normally reach out for their caregivers to pick them up, or do not even look at their moms when they are being fed. They may also not respond to their name or when they hear a familiar voice, and have trouble following objects visually.
7. Babies who have autism also rarely imitate other’s movements or facial expressions. They usually also do not play with other people or share enjoyment or interest, nor do they ask for help or request for simple things. They also usually do not grow up to play games of pretend, group games, or games that involve imitation.
Despite these differences in the growth pattern, it must be noted that children with autism also feel emotions like any kid, such as happiness, pain, sadness, and even love. Of course, they may not express these emotions in the way that other children do, but it does not mean they do not feel them. They also need your love and support, perhaps so much more in the midst of their disability.
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