Autism - Symptoms

• Symptoms of autism are usually seen during early childhood, and autism is diagnosed by the age of three.
• The symptoms intensify in various degrees from one child to another.
• The reaction to external factors like light, touch and smell can be normal, over-reaction or under-reaction. Normal touch may be experienced as very painful, normal smell may be very unpleasant to the child, and daily noises may be very disturbing too. On hearing loud noises – for instance, a vacuum cleaner – they may end up crying inconsolably.
• They may appear indifferent to their surroundings.
• They are happy to be alone.
• They do not have much interest in toys, like other children.
• They do not respond to others when an attempt is made to talk to them.
• They are not able show or point out their interests to others.
• Their activity levels fluctuate; they have a tendency to become hyperactive and, by contrast, inactive.
• They do not like being cuddled or hugged.
• Children with autism are usually not able to speak normally; because they cannot express themselves clearly, they tend to use gestures instead of words.
• Some children develop abnormal speech, which is not recognised by others.
• They tend to talk repetitively and use the same words over and over.
• They are known to throw tantrums.
• They may get too attached to certain objects.
• They cannot maintain eye contact.
• Some children do not fear apparent dangers.
• As they are not able to respond to normal methods of teaching, they need special schools.