What are the symptoms of autism?
Disease description:
I noticed that my 3-year-old son rarely makes eye contact with others, often plays with toys alone and repeatedly performs fixed movements, his language development is significantly behind children of the same age, and he is difficult to comfort when his emotions fluctuate. This situation has persisted for more than six months, and I would like to understand what the symptoms of autism are.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
The core characteristics of autism spectrum disorder are persistent difficulties in social interaction, communication challenges, and repetitive, stereotyped patterns of behavior. During infancy, symptoms may include avoiding eye contact, lacking attachment emotions, and showing no response to others' emotions. Preschool-aged children often experience delayed language development, confusion in pronoun usage, and echolalia (repeating or imitating others' speech). Some individuals may remain nonverbal throughout life or only be capable of mechanically imitating others' speech. Some patients may develop unusual attachments to specific objects, insist on fixed routines, and show extreme resistance to changes in their environment. Additionally, some individuals may experience sensory hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity, with atypical perception of pain or temperature, while others may demonstrate uneven intellectual development or possess special talents.
It is recommended that children be taken to a professional medical institution as early as possible for evaluation to determine whether autism or another developmental disorder is present. Early intervention can help children better adapt to social environments and improve their quality of life. Parents can acquire relevant knowledge, patiently observe their child's behavioral characteristics, and strive to create a stable and supportive family environment. Interacting with the child through play, music, and other activities can help stimulate their interests and potential. At the same time, seeking assistance from professional rehabilitation and training institutions to develop an individualized educational plan can gradually enhance the child's social and communication abilities.
