Is it Autism? Telltale Signs Every Parent Should Know
While the World Health Organization (W.H.O) estimates that one in 160 children across the globe possess traits of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the number in Ghana suggests that more than 38.7% of children are affected, in a work done by the Centre for Learning and Childhood Development.
In similar research done in Nigeria in 2004 by the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, a child out of every 125 to 150 is living with autism spectrum disorder.
In his (Sven Bölte) 2014 publication on Autism, ‘The power of words: Is qualitative research as important as quantitative research in the study of autism?’ The condition is defined as “a neurodevelopmental disorder persisting deficits in social interaction across multiple contexts, alongside restricted, repetitive patterns, interests or activities as manifested by at least two prototypically inflexible behaviors.”
It is a complex disorder affecting many children worldwide. As a parent, it is essential to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of autism so that you can seek early intervention and support for your child.
Some of the patients of ASD, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exhibit some known differences, such as a genetic condition while other causes are yet to be discovered. The challenge to scientists is that there are multiple causes of autism that come together to alter the most common ways people develop.
As it is the case, people living with autism behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people but there is nothing about how they look physiologically from others. It begins before their third birthdays and unfortunately live with it in the entirety of their lives.
This article is meant to help parents as well as guardians immediately identify the worrying signs of ASD for necessary actions and care.
Signs of Autism
- Social Interaction
Children with autism may struggle with social interactions. They have difficulty responding to their name by the 9th month, or engaging in typical back-and-forth conversations. An affected child does not show facial expressions like being happy, sad, angry and surprised by the 9th month. Such a child is unable not play simple interactive games by the 12th month. They fail to share interests with others by 15 months of age like pointing to objects they want. They are unaware when others are hurt or upset by age 2. They also do not sing, dance, or act for you by their 5th birthday. So generally, the telltale sign of children living with autism is the fact that they have trouble understanding social cues and gestures.
- Communication
Delayed speech or language skills are common in children with autism. Some children may not speak at all or have limited vocabulary, while others may have difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations. They may have difficulty making eye contact, they lose previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills. Persistently preferring to live in solitude. They may also exhibit repetitive or stereotyped language patterns (such as echolalia, repeating words or phrases), or difficulties with understanding and using non-literal language (e.g., idioms or sarcasm).
- Repetitive behaviors
Children with autism often engage in repetitive behaviors or restricted interests. They may display repetitive body movements like hand flapping or rocking. They may also have intense interests in specific topics and struggle with changes in routines.
- Sensory sensitivities
Many children with autism are sensitive to sensory stimuli. They may be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to certain sounds, lights, textures, or tastes. This sensitivity can lead to behavioral issues or meltdowns.
Highlights of challenges to caregivers
- Financial challenges - The fact is, it’s very expensive to give proper care to autistic children. It is approximately three times (3x) the financial cost of raising a child with a disability than the cost incurred raising a typically developing child.
- Parents often complain of exorbitant medical fees.
- In order not to inconvenience other passengers, caregivers spend more on taxis and ride hailing platforms to transport their wards.
- As most schools are not disability-friendly, autistic children are therefore enrolled in special schools that raise the cost of raising them.
- Ultimately, they’re easy victims of stigmatization and discrimination in the Ghanaian context.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you notice any of these signs in your child, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your child's development and overall well-being.
A comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider, such as a pediatrician or developmental specialist, can help diagnose autism or rule out other potential causes for the observed behaviors.
Conclusion
Being aware of the telltale signs of autism is essential for parents. While stating so, it is important to note that these signs can vary widely among children with autism, and not all children will exhibit the same characteristics. Early identification and intervention can greatly improve outcomes for children with autism. If you suspect that your child may have this neurodevelopmental disorder, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance. Remember, each child is unique, and early intervention can help them reach their full potential.
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