Autism impacts an individual throughout the lifespan. However, research shows that early diagnosis can lead to improved quality of life. For more information on developmental milestones, Here are some signs to look for. Speaks later than typical or not at all (nonverbal), Repetition in language or movement, such as repeating the same word or sounds, hand flapping, or any repeated movement atypical nonverbal communication, including avoiding eye contact, giving few facial expressions, or having a monotone.
Prefers solitary or parallel play rather than engaging in associative or cooperative play with other children, extremely distressed by changes, including new foods or changes in schedule, preference for predictable, structured play over spontaneous or make-believe play strong, persistent interest on specific topic, part of a toy, or item, might not point at objects to show interest (for example, not point at an airplane flying over) not look at objects when another person points at them, have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all, avoid eye contact and want to be alone, have trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings prefer not to be held or cuddled, or might cuddle only when they want to appear to be unaware when people talk to them, but respond to other sounds be very interested in people, but not know how to talk, play, or relate to them repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or phrases in place of normal language have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions not play “pretend” games (for example, not pretend to “feed” a doll) repeat actions over and over again have trouble adapting when a routine changes, have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound lose skills they once had (for example, stop saying words they were using). Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
Many people are actually affected in many ways. Parents hurt because of it, many people think it’s a joke or don’t even know what ASD means. I want to be able to get the word out.
Difficulties with social interaction – being unaware of what’s socially appropriate, finding chatting or small talk difficult and not socialising much. People with autism may appear uninterested in and find it very difficult to develop friendships and relate to others, while those with Asperger syndrome are more likely to enjoy or want to develop social contacts, but find mixing very difficult.
Problems with verbal and non-verbal communication – those affected may be able to speak or may be unable to speak at all. There may also be difficulties understanding gestures, body language, facial expressions and tone of voice, making it difficult to judge or understand the reactions of those they are talking to or to empathise with people’s feelings. As a result, they may unintentionally appear insensitive or rude to others. They may also take others comments literally and so misunderstand jokes, metaphors or colloquialisms.
Lack of imaginative play – such as not enjoying or taking part in role-play games. They may also find difficulty in understanding abstract ideas. There may be overriding obsessions with objects, interests or routines, which tend to interfere further with building social relationships (this is known as stereotyped or repetitive behaviour).
The estimated prevalence of autism is 11.8 per 10,000 people while the estimated prevalence of autism spectrum conditions is 26.6 per 10,000 people. In Japan, recent estimates of the autism spectrum are as high as 13 per 10,000 people. This suggests that autism is more common in Asia than previously thought.
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