Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that usually starts in early childhood. Signs of autism can be seen in school children who have trouble with communication and social interaction.

It is important to know the early signs of autism so that the child can receive proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some of the early signs of autism in school children:.

Delayed Speech and Language Development

One of the most common early signs of autism is delayed speech and language development. Some children with autism may not start speaking until they are well past their second birthday.

They may also have trouble with pronouns and other aspects of language development.

Lack of Eye Contact

A child with autism may avoid eye contact or have a hard time sustaining eye contact during conversation. Eye contact is an important part of social interaction, and this can be a clear sign that a child is struggling with social interaction.

Children on the autism spectrum often struggle with social cues like facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language. They may have trouble understanding sarcasm or identifying when someone is joking.

These difficulties can lead to social isolation and difficulty making friends.

Narrow Focus of Interest and Rigid Routines

Children with autism often have a narrow focus of interest and may become obsessed with a particular subject. They may also have rigid routines and rituals that they follow closely.

These behaviors can make it difficult for them to adapt to change and may cause them to have difficulty in school.

Sensitivity to Sensory Stimuli

Many children with autism are sensitive to sensory stimuli like loud noises or bright lights. They may become overwhelmed by these stimuli and have trouble processing them. This can lead to behavior that seems erratic or inappropriate.

Repetitive Behaviors and Movements

Repetitive behaviors and movements are common among children with autism. These can include hand flapping, rocking back and forth, or other repetitive movements.

These behaviors can help children with autism regulate their emotions, but they may also interfere with social interaction.

Difficulty Understanding Figurative Language

Children with autism may struggle to understand figurative language like idioms or metaphors. This can lead to confusion and difficulty in social situations where figurative language is used.

Lack of Empathy or Understanding of Others’ Emotions

Children with autism may have trouble understanding and empathizing with others’ emotions. They may have difficulty recognizing facial expressions or vocal tone that indicate emotions such as sadness or anger.

This can lead to social isolation and difficulty in forming friendships.

Unusual Play Patterns

Children with autism may have unusual play patterns. They may prefer to play alone rather than with other children, or they may exhibit repetitive play behaviors.

These behaviors can interfere with social development and make it difficult for the child to form friendships.

Difficulty with Simple Instructions

Children with autism may struggle with following simple instructions. They may have trouble understanding what is being asked of them or may have trouble with the details of the instruction.

This can cause frustration and difficulty in academic settings where following instructions is necessary.

Conclusion

Early identification of autism in school children is important in order to provide appropriate support and treatment.

By identifying these early signs of autism, parents and teachers can work together to provide the necessary support and resources for the child to thrive in school and in life.