What are some common symptoms of autism spectrum disorder?

The challenging thing about autism is it’s a “spectrum”. A child with autism may behave completely different from another child with autism. Your child may exhibit one or two of the symptoms and not necessarily be diagnosed with autism.

I knew something was different with my son, Grayson, when he was 13 months old. I wouldn’t call what I went through the classic “Stages of Grief”… but I definitely went through many stages of coming to terms with Grayson being autistic.

One thing that I looked up almost constantly were the signs and symptoms of autism. I don’t know if I was trying to tell my gut that I was wrong about Grayson having autism or if I was trying to convince myself that he did… either way – I looked it up almost daily.

What I want to be very clear on is that autism is a spectrum. I know I’ve said that before, however, as a mother (or father, grandparent, aunt, etc.) looking up the signs and symptoms of autism – it can be terrifying. If you suspect your child has autism and you’re looking up the signs please be aware that just because your child doesn’t do ALL of the signs doesn’t mean he/she doesn’t have autism… and just because he/she does 1 or 2 of the signs doesn’t mean that he/she DOES have autism.

Here are two examples:

• My son, who IS diagnosed with ASD, shows many of these signs listed. He does not resist physical contact. He loves it, actually. He also does not get bent out of shape when our routine changes and does not have any phobias. He does not get aggressive or hurt himself. So just because he DOESN’T show ALL of the symptoms does not mean he doesn’t fall on the spectrum.
• My daughter, who is NOT autistic, is super weird about textures and tastes in food. Just because she has this ONE sign doesn’t make her autistic.

Does that make sense?

Autism is very complicated in that every child that falls on the spectrum is SO DIFFERENT. However, signs and symptoms can be grouped in to some major categories that many children on the spectrum exhibit.

What are some common signs of autism?

• Avoiding eye contact
• Have difficulty comprehending the emotions and feelings of others
• Struggling with social skills and being withdrawn from others
• Flaps hands, spins, and/or rocks
• Speech delays or the absence of speech and communication skills
• Display sensory issues (tastes, textures, smells, sounds)
• Lining up toys or other objects
• Repeat phrases over and over again
• Obsess over particular interests
• Gets distressed over minor changes

Some common early signs of Autism:

• A child NOT responding to their his/her name (the child may appear deaf)
• Not pointing at objects or things of interest, or demonstrating interest
• Not playing “pretend” games
• Play with toys the same way every time
• Avoid or resist physical contact
• Demonstrate little safety or danger awareness
• Reverse pronouns (e.g., says “you” instead of “I”)

Other symptoms and signs of Autism:

• Have unusual interests and behaviors
• Have extreme anxiety and phobias, as well as unusual phobias
• Like parts of objects (e.g., wheels)
• Become upset by minor changes
• Give unrelated answers to questions
• Hyperactivity (very active)
• Impulsivity (acting without thinking)
• Short attention span
• Aggression
• Causing self injury
• Meltdowns
• Unusual eating and sleeping habits
• Unusual mood or emotional reactions
• Lack of fear or more fear than expected

Now that those signs and symptoms are out there (you can find links to all of my resources at the end of this article), are you feeling more or less confident about your suspicions? I found a really great resource for screening your child for autism – which may help you in this part of the journey.

If you’ve read all of those symptoms and you’re feeling like your child may have ASD, here are my recommendations on the steps you should take next!

Words of wisdom from someone who has been there:

I’ve learned SO MUCH on this journey I’m on with Grayson. At the beginning of the journey, I was very scared and devastated. The depression was real back then – it was a horrible place to be. It can be lonely, worrisome, and incredibly painful. It sort of feels like everything you’ve dreamed of for your precious child has been shattered with a baseball bat a million times, taking a part of your heart with it.

HOWEVER – there IS LIGHT at the end of the tunnel. It IS GOING TO BE OKAY, I promise. Grayson is still the same sweet precious little love bug now that he’s always been. He is STILL going to do amazing things in his life and God has put him here for a purpose.

Don’t be afraid to talk to the pediatrician. SEEK OUT therapies for your child. Don’t try to hide the struggles from the educators in your child’s life – they will notice anyways, I promise. If you don’t find help, keep looking, asking, and fighting. Early intervention is SO important and YOU are your precious angel’s biggest advocate.

So, as hard as it is, (believe me, I’ve been there and understand!) have a good cry, pick yourself up, and start your fight for helping your precious one as much as you can.

I love the saying that autism is less of a disability and more of a unique way of seeing the world.

Do you suspect your little one may have autism spectrum disorder? Click here to see what to do next.

Please note: This article is from my personal experience and research. The very best thing to do is to speak to your child’s pediatrician!

Sources:

• https://nationalautismassociation.org/resources/signs-of-autism/
• https://ada.com/signs-of-autism/
• https://www.autismspeaks.org/signs-autism
• https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html
• https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/does-my-child-have-autism.htm
• https://www.medicinenet.com/autism_symptoms_and_signs/symptoms.htm