Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. It can be mild or severe, and symptoms can vary from child to child.
While there is no one “sign” that your child has autism, here are five signs that may indicate that he or she does. Matthew Teeple believes that if you suspect your child has autism, please don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional. Early diagnosis and intervention are key in ensuring your child gets the best possible outcome.
Matthew Teeple’s Top Symptoms of Autism in Children
Inability to Respond to Their Name
One of the early signs of autism in children is not responding to their names. While all children are different, and some may take longer to respond to their names, a child with autism typically does not respond at all when called by name.
This can be a sign that the child is not processing social cues and is instead focusing on other sensory inputs. Matthew Teeple believes that if you suspect your child may have autism, it is important to speak with a doctor or healthcare professional.
Matthew Teeple believes that with early intervention, children with autism can make significant progress in their development.
Avoiding Eye Contact
One of the tell-tale signs of autism in children is avoiding eye contact. While this may seem like a small thing, it can actually be quite significant. Making eye contact is an important part of social interaction for neurotypical children.
It helps to create a connection and allows for communication. Autistic children, however, often avoid eye contact because they find it overwhelming or stimulating. In some cases, they may even be completely unaware that they are supposed to make eye contact.
While avoiding eye contact does not necessarily mean that a child is autistic, it is often one of the first signs that parents notice. If you are concerned that your child may be autistic, it is important to speak to a doctor or other medical professional.
Repeating Phrases
One sign of autism in children is the repetition of certain phrases. This can manifest itself in different ways, such as repeating words or sounds that the child has heard or repeating questions that the child has asked.
In some cases, the child may even repeat whole conversations verbatim. According to Matthew Teeple, this repetitive behavior is often one of the first signs that a child may be on the autism spectrum.
While it is not necessarily indicative of autism alone, it can be an important sign that should be taken into consideration by parents and caregivers.
Not Smiling When Smiled At
Not smiling when smiled at is one sign of autism in children. Social interactions can be difficult for children with autism, and not smiling when someone else is smiling is one way that this difficulty manifests itself.
While it might seem like a small thing, not smiling back can signal to others that the child is not interested in social interaction. This can then lead to further isolation and difficulties forming bonds with others.
However, it is important to remember that every child with autism is different, and some may smile naturally while others may not.
There is no right or wrong way to interact socially, but being aware of the signs of autism can help create a more inclusive and understanding world for everyone.
Matthew Teeple’s Concluding Thoughts
If you’re concerned that your child may have autism, it’s important to seek out help from a professional. Many signs can indicate autism, and early diagnosis is key to ensuring that your child gets the best possible treatment.
Thanks for reading Matthew Teeple’s guide on how to spot signs of autism in children. We hope this information proves helpful and empowers you as a parent or caregiver to get your child the support they need.