Older children with ASD might have difficulties in social situations, following instructions or making friends.They might develop unusual ways of speaking. They may not be interested in playing with other children. They might focus on one or 2 activities repetitively, like lining up toys. As toddlers, children with ASD might not respond to their name.They may not smile or gesture like other babies. In the first year, your baby with ASD might not be interested in other people.There may be different signs of autism at different ages. Early intervention offers the best outcomes for children with ASD, whether their traits are obvious or subtle. If you think your child has ASD, see your doctor. Research is also looking at the role of the environment in triggering ASD. This may include the age of your parents. Other factors may increase your chances of having ASD.
This is caused by genes, which means that if someone in your family has autism, other family members are more likely to also have ASD. having difficulty maintaining relationshipsĪSD is caused by differences in how the brain develops.struggling to pay attention to detail, or having too strong an attention to detail.In adults, ASD traits may include the following: having difficulty managing emotions, such as frequent and long tantrums.This might be only playing with certain toys or talking about certain topics strongly reacting to sensory input such as sound, pain or textures.movements, such as flapping hands, toe walking.using objects in unusual ways, such as rolling wheels before eyes.excessively following routines, patterns or behaviour, and becoming distressed at changes.delayed expressed speech and understanding of speech.difficulty developing and maintaining relationships appropriate to their age, such as peer play, lack of close friends.lack of non-verbal communication such as nodding and shaking head, using hand gestures.lack of social or emotional exchanges like pointing, smiling, showing you things.The common signs and traits of ASD in children include the following: restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests.difficulty with social interactions and communication.The main characteristics related to ASD fall into 2 broad areas: These skills are important for a good quality of life. And the more likely it is they’ll develop: The earlier your child receives an ASD diagnosis, the earlier they can get support. They may find themselves at a higher risk of bullying, abuse, and violence. Growing up with ASD without support can have an impact on a person’s mental health, education, development, and social life. Research shows that early diagnosis and treatment is important.Ī late diagnosis of ASD can have consequences. Most people with ASD can learn the skills they need to function independently or in a supportive environment. Sometimes ASD is diagnosed much later in life. But they may not be noticeable until the age of 2 or 3 years. The characteristics of ASD usually start in infancy. People with ASD will all have different experiences. They now think that they are all part of one condition, called autism spectrum disorder or ASD. Along with some challenges, an autistic person will also have a range of strengths.ĭoctors used to think that Asperger's syndrome and autism were separate conditions. But some people with ASD will also have those problems.Ĭhildren and adults with ASD may be highly intelligent, of normal intelligence, or have an intellectual disability. ASD presents differently in boys and girls.ĪSD is not a mental health problem or an intellectual disability. In people with ASD, the brain does not grow in the same way it does in most people. It affects how people behave and interact with the world around them. Related information on Australian websitesĪutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disorder.What is autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?.