What is autism? How is it interpreted?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability which is caused by differences in how an individual’s brain is wired. Those who are diagnosed with ASD often have difficulties in verbal communication, social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviours or interests. These can include ‘hand flapping’, ‘toe walking’, difficulty in adjusting to changes in schedules, inattention, difficulty maintaining eye contact etc. It is important to understand that not all children or adults with ASD will exhibit the same symptoms, some might show a certain amount of symptoms whilst others show a different set of symptoms which all fall under the category of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Many parents often wonder at what age they may begin noticing signs that their child has ASD, and while every child is different and symptoms and signs can appear at any developmental age, studies show that most children exhibit signs that they may have ASD from around 2 years of age. Early intervention is one of the best methods to combat and lower levels of ASD, and the sooner your child gets the attention and management they need, the greater the chances of lowering their levels of ASD.
While it is important to know the conditions associated with autism, it is also important to remember that it varies from child to child. Some people with little or no knowledge of autism are unable to realise that it is possible for a child to lead a normal life- and by ensuring child specific treatments, positive reinforcement, and praise when it is required, your child can overcome adversary and thrive in normal living conditions