Parents likely wonder about the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder when they suspect that their child exhibits specific behavior patterns that indicate that the child has autism. Knowing the symptoms of autism does not definitively prove a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. However, understanding the signs that often lead to a diagnosis may help parents realize that their child needs a professional evaluation.
The caring team of professionals at EMIT Therapeutics understands that parents have concerns about the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and how these affect their child. Contact EMIT Therapeutics at 844.983.0240 to learn more about autism spectrum disorder and individualized treatment.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
There are many possible signs and symptoms that can indicate whether a child or adolescent has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A critical factor for parents to understand is that the symptoms of autism often vary among different children diagnosed with the condition. One child may exhibit a few signs of ASD and yet be able to attend to their daily living activities with no difficulties. Another child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit different symptoms and have significant challenges with their daily living activities regularly.
Some symptoms of autism spectrum disorder include:
- Repeating actions over and over again
- Exhibiting an abnormally intense or focused interest
- Having trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
- Demonstrating impaired ability to make friends with peers
- Getting upset by minor changes in routine
- Avoiding or resisting physical contact
There are several other possible symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. One of them is that the child appears to be unaware when people talk to them, but the child responds to other sounds. The other symptoms of ASD include avoiding eye contact, wanting to be alone more than other children, and exhibiting language delays. Alternatively, they may demonstrate a loss of language skills or social skills that the child once had, and now either does not display at all or displays only periodically.
What Can A Parent Do if They Believe That Their Child Has Autism Spectrum Disorder?
The first contact that a parent needs to make if they notice symptoms of autism in their child is the child’s pediatrician. The child’s primary care doctor can examine the child to determine any developmental delays. The doctor also asks the parents questions about the child’s behavior, development, and social skills.
If the doctor believes that a child demonstrates autism spectrum disorder symptoms, they then make a referral to a specialist. This expert has specialized training in evaluation and providing treatment based on the child’s needs.
Parents likely wonder why the child’s pediatrician does not treat the child, rather than sending them to a specialist. A specialist has advanced skills and training in diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorder. Treating the symptoms of autism is out of the scope of practice of the typical pediatrician. Specialists such as developmental pediatricians, child psychiatrists, or child psychologists have the advanced expertise to diagnose the child and provide the necessary treatment.
How Can EMIT Therapeutics Help Children and Families Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder?
The team of professionals at EMIT Therapeutics has the knowledge and expertise necessary to help children with an autism spectrum disorder. We tailor each child’s treatment program to the individual so that we can treat children as young as 18 months old through the adolescent years. There are individualized treatment plans based on the individual needs of each child. There are also a variety of resources for family members.
Contact us at 844.983.0240 or online at our site to learn more and get started with treatment for autism spectrum disorder.
