Autism symptoms and Autism treatment in Jaipur- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts, and learns. As a psychiatrist expert in autism treatment in children, I often see the anxiety and confusion that parents face when they first notice signs that something might be different about their child’s development. Common Signs and Symptoms of Autism in Children The difficulties for children with autism generally revolve around social communication , repetitive behaviors , and restricted interests . 1. Social Communication and Interaction Difficulties Children with autism may have trouble understanding social cues or engaging with others. These include: - Delayed Speech or Lack of Speech : Some children may not speak at all, or they may develop language later than their peers. Others may have speech but struggle with using it appropriately in social contexts (e.g., limited or no back-and-forth conversation). - Limited Eye Contact : Children with autism may avoid making eye contact, or they may make very little eye contact when interacting with others. - Difficulty Understanding Emotions : Children with autism often have trouble recognizing or interpreting other people’s emotions. They may not understand facial expressions, body language, or tone of voice, which makes social interactions confusing or overwhelming for them. - Struggles with Social Reciprocity : Kids with autism may not show typical interest in playing with peers. They might not engage in pretend play, sharing, or taking turns, and may not respond to others’ emotions appropriately (e.g., they may not comfort a friend who is upset). - Social Withdrawal and Isolation : Children with autism may seem withdrawn or isolated, often preferring to be alone rather than engaging with others. They may not seek out attention from others, or they may prefer solitary activities. This can lead to difficulties in making friends and forming relationships. - Aggression or Self-Injurious Behavior : children with autism may display aggressive behaviors, such as hitting, kicking, or biting others, or they may engage in self-injurious behaviors like head-banging or hand-biting. These behaviors often arise as a way to express frustration, anxiety, or sensory overload. 2. Restricted and Repetitive Patterns of Behavior - Repetitive Movements or Actions : These may include hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, or other repetitive motor movements. These actions can often help the child cope with anxiety or sensory overload. - Obsessive Interests : Many children with autism develop intense, narrow interests in specific topics. They may become extremely focused on one subject, like trains, numbers, or animals, and want to talk about it constantly. This could also include a need for rigid routines such as lining up toys. - Difficulty in change in routine : Children with autism may become distressed by sudden changes in their environment or daily routines. They may insist on certain rituals, such as eating the same foods in a particular order, or having the same toys or objects placed in specific locations. They become upset when things don't go as expected. - Sensory Sensitivities : Many children with autism exhibit hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory input. For example, they may become overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures, or they may seek out sensory experiences like spinning, licking objects, or touching different textures repetitively. 3. Delayed Developmental Milestones - Delayed Speech Development : Many children with autism start talking later than their peers or may have a delay in understanding language. - Motor Delays : Children with autism may show signs of motor delays, such as difficulty with fine motor skills (e.g., holding a pencil, buttoning clothes) or gross motor skills (e.g., running, climbing). - Difficulty with Self-Care Skills : Skills like dressing, feeding, or toileting may take longer to develop in children with autism, and they might struggle with these tasks compared to typically developing peers. 4. Challenges in Play - Playing Alone : Many children with autism prefer to play alone and may not show an interest in joining group activities or playing with others. - Hyperactivity or Inactivity : Some children with autism are hyperactive, while others may be unusually passive or inactive. They may have trouble sitting still or following directions, or they may appear to be in their own world, not responding to external stimuli. If you have concerns about your child, do not hesitate to reach out to us for autism therapy in Jaipur . Autism is a spectrum, and with the right therapy for autism in place, every child can succeed and grow to their full potential- Dr. Shariq Qureshi Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in Jaipur Treatment of Autism in India | Autism treatment of India