Autism Spectrum Disorder: What is it and its symptoms!

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects how people's brains develop. It starts in early childhood and lasts throughout life. ASD affects how people interact with others, communicate, and learn.

The word "spectrum" means that ASD affects people in different ways. Some people with ASD might find it hard to talk to others or make eye contact. They might have specific interests and do things repeatedly. For example, they might spend a lot of time organizing things or repeating the same words. Sometimes, it might seem like they're in their own world.

Some common symptoms of ASD include:

1. Difficulty with social interaction and communication like:

• Avoiding eye contact
• Does not respond to name by 9 months of age
• Does not show facial expressions such as happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age
• Uses few or no gestures by 12 months of age (for example, does not wave goodbye)
• Does not point to show you something interesting by 18 months of age
• Does not pretend to be something else, like a teacher or superhero, during play by 48 months (4 years) of age
• Does not sing, dance, or act for you by 60 months (5 years) of age

2. Restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests, like:

• Lining up toys or other objects and gets upset when order is changed
• Repeats words or phrases over and over (called echolalia)
• Plays with toys the same way every time
• Gets upset by minor changes
• Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles
• Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

3. Other characteristics, like:

• Delayed language skills
• Delayed movement skills
• Delayed cognitive or learning skills
• Hyperactive, impulsive, and/or inattentive behavior
• Epilepsy or seizure disorder
• Unusual eating and sleeping habits
• Gastrointestinal issues (for example, constipation)
• Unusual mood or emotional reactions
• Anxiety, stress, or excessive worry
• Lack of fear or more fear than expected

It is crucial to understand these potential symptoms for early identification, appropriate support, and promoting the well-being of individuals with ASD. To know all about diagnosis and treatment of ASD, watch our next video.

Source:- https://www.cdc.gov/autism/signs-symptoms/