Autism Spectrum disorder

What is the Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges, it impacts a child’s development in two core areas: the first is social communication and social interaction, and the second is restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. ASD now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, and Asperger syndrome. These conditions are now all called autism spectrum disorder.

Red Flags to watch out for

Social communication & Social Interaction

• Limited use of gestures such as giving, showing, waving, clapping, pointing, or nodding their head
• Delayed speech or no social babbling/chatting
•  Makes odd sounds or has an unusual tone of voice
• Difficulty using eye contact, gestures, and sounds or words all at the same time
• Little or no pretending or imitating of other people
• Stopping use of words that they used to say
• Does not share warm, joyful expressions
• Does not respond when someone calls their name
• Does not share enjoyment or interests with others

Repetitive behaviors and restricted interests

• Unusual ways of moving their hands, fingers, or whole body
• Develops rituals such as lining objects up or repeating things over and over
• Very focused on or attached to unusual kinds of objects such as strips of cloth, wooden spoons, rocks, vents, or doorstops
• Unusual sensory interests such as sniffing objects or looking out of the corner of their eye
• Over or under reaction to certain sounds, textures, or other sensory input