Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder in Kids and Adolescents
Updated: Jun 10, 2022
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complicated developmental disorder that results in persistent challenges in repetitive/restricted behaviours, social interaction and speech and nonverbal communication, and challenges with the sensory process. The term "spectrum" consults to the wide range of symptoms and severity. It mirrors symptoms that differ significantly, from serene to severe, across diverse individuals.
ASD Symptoms
The symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder include:
Making minute or inconsistent eye calls and tending not to hear people
Rarely sharing enjoyment of objects or activities by pointing or displaying things to others
Failing to, or being reduced to, reply to someone calling their title or to other verbal attempts to maintain attention
Having problems with the backside and forth of conversation
They often talk at length about a celebrated subject without noticing that other people are not alive or without giving different people a chance to respond.
Having facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match what is being said
Having an extraordinary tone of articulation that may sound sing-song or horizontal and robot-like
Having distressed notion by hook or by crook person's opinion or being unable to foretell or grasp other people's actions
Repeating positive behaviours or having unusual behaviours. For example, repeating words or phrases, a behaviour titled echolalia.
Having a lasting intense interest in positive topics, as an example, numbers, details, or facts
Having overly focused interests, that is, with moving objects or parts of objects
Getting upset by microscopic changes in a routine
Being approximately more sensitive than others to sensory input, such as light, noise, clothing, or temperature
Diagnosing ASD
As stated earlier, ASD must be diagnosed as early as possible to lop the symptoms of autism and enhance the child's quality of life. There is no medical test for autism. Instead, a diagnosis is as said by observing the child. Trained professionals are generally skilled in diagnosing autism by speaking with the child and asking parents and other caregivers questions.
Here are several possible red flags for autism spectrum disorder that the Centers for Disease Control has identified:
Not reacting to their forename by the age of 12 months.
Not acknowledging objects to reveal interest by 14 months.
Not playing "pretend" games by 18 months.
Isolating themselves and not production train eye contact.
Getting upset by lesser changes to routine.
Repetitive motions like turning in circles, rocking their body or flapping their hands.
If your kid has displayed any of these symptoms and you have concerns about their development, you must carry them to your family physician for assessment. While there is no heal for Autism Spectrum Disorder, many diverse behavioural therapy styles can lessen symptoms and enhance the child and their family's quality of life.
Source: NIMH » Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/?mod=article_inline