What Are The Signs That Your Child Has Autism?
When it comes to understanding about autism, many Malaysians (especially parents or caretakers of autistic persons) have a hard time explaining what it's like to care for and live with autism. With various misconceptions about autism in Malaysia, it's no surprise that some may have difficulty reaching out for the right intervention.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about one in 160 children has autism and the prevalence appears to be on an increasing trend. While there's no official registry indicating the number of people diagnosed with autism in Malaysia, it's estimated that about 8,000 to 9,000 yearly new-borns may have autism.
You see, autism, or autism spectrum disorders (ASD), refers to a broad range of neurodevelopmental conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, speech and non-verbal communication, and repetitive behaviours.
Autistic persons may seem normal in terms of their appearance but they often have a hard time interacting with others, especially those who have little understanding about autism. Ahead, we're sharing all that you need to know about autism.
What is autism?
There is no one type of autism as it's an umbrella term which accounts for several neurodevelopment conditions such as autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
As it's a spectrum disorder, every autistic person in Malaysia has a different set of strengths and challenges. This means their ways of learning, thinking, and problem-solving can vary from highly skilled to severely challenged.
In some cases, autistic persons can live independently on their own while some may require significant support in performing their daily activities. Moving forward, we'll look at the types of autism and its general meaning.
1. Asperger's syndrome
Considered to be on the milder end of the autism spectrum disorders, a person with Asperger's syndrome can be brilliant and independent in handling their daily lives. However, they have a much harder time socialising with people.
2. Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
This mouthful term of autism is diagnosed among most children who have severe autism than those with Asperger's syndrome but less severe than those with autistic disorder.
3. Autistic disorder
This older term of autism is more severe than Asperger's syndrome and PDD-NOS. Any person diagnosed with this type of autism may experience similar symptoms as the two but on a more intense level.
4. Childhood disintegrative disorder
This disorder is among one of the rarest and most severe types of autism. Children diagnosed with this type of autism often develop normally during their childhood. However, as they grow older between the ages of two and four, they lose their various social, language, and mental skills.
Symptoms of autism
Now that you have a general idea about autism and the types of disorders, it's time to identify the symptoms of autism. The most obvious symptoms often involve communication, social skills, and behaviour.
Bear in mind that autism spectrum disorders can look different in different people. Some may display many symptoms while some may have only a few. Also, the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Children who have autism may start showing signs as young as a few months old or develop the symptoms later during their childhood.
1. Communication
Children with autism rarely talk while some may develop language skills during infancy but lose them later in life. Meanwhile, some children may start talking later in life. If you notice that any of your children have difficulty communicating with you, chances are that they have autism.
The symptoms include:
● Delayed speech and language skills
● Speaks in a flat, robotic tone
● Tends to repeat the same phrase
● Has problems with certain pronouns
● Rarely use common gestures (waving or pointing)
● Inability to stay on topic when talking or answering questions
2. Social skills
Children with autism often have a hard time interacting with others. They can be brilliant but when it comes to social interactions, they may not have even the slightest idea of befriending another.
If any of your children are on the spectrum, they may show the following symptoms:
● No response to their name by their first birthday
● No interest in playing or talking with others
● Avoids physical or eye contact
● Dislikes to be comforted when upset
● Lacks emotional understanding
3. Behaviour
Children with autism may also act differently or have unusual interests from their peers. This includes:
● Constant moving
● Fixations on certain activities or objects
● Sticks to specific routines
● Extreme sensitivity to touch, light, and sound
● Fussy eating habits
● Lack of coordination, clumsiness
● Impulsiveness and aggressive behaviour
● Short attention span
If you think your child displays some symptoms of autism, it's best to visit a doctor who can refer you to the appropriate specialist such as a paediatrician. Note that there's no medical test to diagnose autism spectrum disorders as the causes remain unknown. However, the doctor may initiate the diagnosis with behavioural and developmental evaluation.
Among the treatment for autism spectrum disorders are Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), occupational therapy, pivotal response therapy, relationship development intervention (RDI), speech therapy, and verbal behaviour therapy.
The earlier you identify the symptoms, the more effective the treatment may be on your children. Therefore, you need to be aware of your children's development. Bear in mind that it's not the end of the world if your child has autism.
Well Rehab provides several therapies which can be customised based on your child's needs. For more information about our therapies or services, you may contact us at +60 12 512 8487 or email wellrehabmanagement@gmail.com.
