If you are reading this post, you are no doubt seeking answers as I once was as something is telling you that you’ve noticed something a little different or special in your child. Perhaps it’s a compulsion towards a certain activity or body movement. Perhaps it’s a delay in speech or a lack of eye contact. Either somebody may have mentioned this or you’ve come to the conclusion yourself that maybe what you are seeking may be found in a single word. Autism. It has become a word that so many of us are familiar with as most of us know of somebody who has been diagnosed. But what some people may not know is that it covers a broad spectrum of symptoms and behaviours. Some have Sensory Processing Disorders. Some have Anxiety or ADHD. Some have Depression. No longer is a separate diagnosis given for Asperger’s either – everyone is in the one big and colourful blanket. I am by no means a medical expert, but after having two children with Autism, one with Global Developmental Delays and another with Anxiety, I have become adept in recognizing some of the following key signs you may or may notice in your own child.

Does your child do any of these things?

1. Stimming. This is a physical motion that your child may be compelled to do repeatedly, and often is done when the child is feeling overexcited or overwhelmed. Various forms of Stimming may include the classic hand flapping, but can also include spinning, head standing, tip toeing, shuffling from one foot to the other or rocking. Stimming is a form of self-regulation and is one of the more easily recognizable signs.
2. The Meltdown. Far more extreme than simply a tantrum, the Meltdown is a complete shut down of all reasoning and the ability to calm themselves. The meltdown may occur for hours on end with no seemingly logical reason, and can include screaming, crying uncontrollably, self-harm such as head butting or biting themselves, throwing objects or absconding (running away).  It can be a result of feelings of overwhelm by being exposed to crowds, noise or bright lights. It can be for no reason at all. A child in the middle of a meltdown very rarely can be diverted to another activity or calmed down with a kind word. Pressure can sometimes work, as can removing them to a quiet area but often they (and you) just need to ride it out if early trigger signs have been missed.
3. Eye contact (or lack of). Another classic sign of Autism is a lack of eye contact and this is often recognizable from an early age.  It is not a sign that the child is ignoring you or even having hearing difficulties– they simply feel overwhelmed or may be ‘In the Zone’ (see below). While eye contact is encouraged, forced eye contact may result in feelings of overwhelm or meltdown. It can be a trigger for other behaviours.
4. Sensory Seeker or Sensory Avoider. Perhaps your child is terrified of the feeling of sand on their feet, or the thought of stepping on the grass sends them into meltdown. Perhaps they collect bits of fluff or elastic bands and keep them in their pockets at all times to hold. Perhaps they scream at the thought of brushing their teeth and demand all their tags are cut off, or perhaps they hurtle themselves off the lounge at great speed or jump off beds and other furniture because they love the feeling (especially if they do it backwards). You may have a Sensory Seeker or an Avoider. Bonus points if your kiddo is both!!!
5. Loud and Sudden Noises. Crowds, Fireworks and the likes of the Garbage Truck can really bug them. As mentioned above, kids on the Spectrum find it very hard to cope with loud and sudden noises which can often be found in crowds. I remember a few shopping trips where both my child and I have come home in tears – until we learned the trick of using earphones to shut out the noise! Queues for us such as at the Post Office or Bank are a nightmare and we do as much as we can online these days (but you don’t have to be a special needs parent for this!). Garbage trucks, vacuum cleaners and the likes have also had the kids covering their ears and hiding. Screaming isn’t the only way a child can have a meltdown, it can also be hitting others or themselves, running away from parents (very scary) or climbing on things inappropriately because they are over excited. So the next time you are at the shops and you see a child having an absolute meltdown, please please don’t wag a finger at that poor parent or grandparent for not disciplining their child. No one can help it and everyone is doing their best.
6. Bedtime Woes. Sleep can often be difficult for a child on the Spectrum. Either getting to sleep, or staying asleep. Perhaps they are a Sensory Seeker and love the feeling of touching the hand of their parent to settle, or their mind is over active and they have trouble settling. A child on the Spectrum can also have difficulty determining when it is appropriate to get up and play and when it is not.
7. Delays in Speech or trouble communicating. Coupled with lack of eye contact, communicating needs can be tricky for the child with Autism. They may not reach speech milestones as expected or may even be non verbal in their early childhood years or later. This may lead to social issues as their ability to communicate their needs and wants are tricky for potential friendships or while out and about in the community.
8. Plays alongside others or by themselves. As mentioned in the previous point, speech issues may be prevalent and so they find it hard to communicate with others which may impact on their ability to integrate with others and make friends. Social Queues are also often missed, as they can find it hard to interpret Humour or Sarcasm. You may find they often play ‘next to’ or side by side with others rather than be involved in play directly.
9. Routine is everything. Kids on the Spectrum are very set in their ways and can get very upset if things are not ‘just so’. They get easily overwhelmed if things do not go as they expect and so benefit from having a daily routine or verbal warnings if things are going to change. Reasons for a meltdown may be as simple as a sandwich not being cut the right way, or they’ve perceived that you’ve said something the ‘wrong’ way. They often sort things into colours or shapes. They have a favourite much loved toy , game or DVD that gets watched over and over again. Which goes hand in hand with my next point…..
10. Obsession and being “In the Zone”. Kids on the Spectrum can often obsess over one particular toy, item, movie or topic. So much so that when you talk to them whilst doing this activity they can often not hear you. They are busy staring or involved with their item, and they cannot hear you. They do not have hearing issues – they are simply “In the Zone”. They also don’t need to be physically with the item or watching the movie either, they may be simply thinking about it in their mind. They become so interested with their chosen item or topic that they will seek to absorb as much information as possible and become an ‘expert’. They will obsessively talk about this topic to all and anyone who will listen, and they may miss social queues that it’s time to change the subject. Some famous Autistic Experts in their field include the likes of Albert Einstein, Andy Worhol, Emily Dickinson, Steve Jobs and Mozart.

Do you recognize any of these signs in your child? If so, you may be feeling a mix of relief, concern and confusion.  This is a basic list, but there are a multitude of variations and other signs which may be occurring. As a parent or care provider, let your instincts guide you – if there is something occurring at home, or perhaps your child’s daycare or Kindergarten staff have mentioned to you then the very best thing you can do is to reach out and ask for help. If you do and you have any concerns then please speak to your GP, Early Childhood Nurse or other healthcare provider today as early intervention is key to helping your child to grow and become the best, brightest and happiest they can be!