Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is diagnosed through behavioural assessments conducted by medical professionals. As parents, you may notice certain behaviours or developmental patterns that could potentially indicate the presence of autism. Here are some key observations to consider:

Lagging in Developmental Milestones:

Children with autism may exhibit delays in achieving developmental milestones, such as crawling, walking, or speaking, compared to their peers.

Peripheral Vision (Looking from the Corner of the Eyes):

Some children with autism may engage in visual behaviours, like looking at objects or people from the corner of their eyes, a behaviour commonly referred to as “side-eye glances.”

Limited Verbal Communication:

Children with autism may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, leading to challenges in communication and relying on non-verbal cues or gestures to convey their needs.

Limited Responsiveness to Sounds:

They may seem not to hear or respond to sounds, including their name being called.

Limited or No Eye Contact:

Children with autism may avoid or have difficulty making eye contact during interactions, which can impact social communication.

Limited Speech:

Some children with autism may have delayed speech development or may not speak at all, depending on the severity of their condition.

Difficulty Reading Facial Expressions:

They may struggle to interpret or understand facial expressions and emotions displayed by others.

Misses Nuances of Communication:

Children with autism may have difficulty understanding non-literal languages, such as sarcasm, humour, or metaphors.

Parallel Play:

Instead of engaging in interactive play with peers, they may prefer parallel play, where they play alongside others but do not actively interact.

Attachment to One Object (Obsessions):

Some children with autism may display strong attachments to specific objects, toys, or items, often engaging in repetitive play with them.

Rigid, Unimaginative Play:

Their play may be repetitive and lack imagination, such as lining up toys or engaging in repetitive actions with objects.

Stimming (Repetitive Actions):

Children with autism may engage in stimming behaviours, such as hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, or other repetitive actions that provide sensory stimulation.

Sensory Sensitivities:

They may exhibit hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as lights, sounds, textures, or tastes.

It’s important to note that not every child with autism will exhibit all of these behaviours, and each child is unique in their presentation of autism. If you notice several of these signs or have concerns about your child’s development, seeking a comprehensive evaluation by healthcare professionals specializing in autism is crucial.

Early intervention and support can significantly improve outcomes for children with autism, fostering their growth, development, and ability to navigate the world with confidence and success. Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and with the right support and understanding, every child can thrive and shine in their unique way.