Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior.

Symptoms of Autism

Communication Challenges:

• Delayed speech and language development

• Difficulty understanding non-verbal cues (gestures, facial expressions)

• Echolalia (repeating words or phrases)

• Limited use of gestures or facial expressions to communicate

• Difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations

Social Interaction Difficulties:

• Difficulty making eye contact

• Trouble understanding social norms and cues

• Lack of interest in peers or difficulty forming friendships

• Prefers solitary play over group activities

• Difficulty understanding the emotions of others

Repetitive Behaviors:

• Repetitive movements such as hand-flapping, *hand-tapping, and **rocking*

• Rigid adherence to routines and difficulty with change

• Obsession with specific objects or topics

• Repeatedly lining up or arranging objects

Sensory Processing Differences:

• Auditory Seekers:

• Vocal stimming (repeating sounds, humming)

• Making loud noises or seeking environments with strong sounds

• Auditory Avoiders:

• Covering ears to block out loud or high-pitched noises

• Becoming distressed by everyday sounds (vacuum cleaners, alarms)

Visual Seekers:

• Fascination with moving objects (spinning wheels, ceiling fans)

• Eye-gazing (staring at lights, flickering objects)

• Fixating on specific patterns, colors, or objects

• Visual Avoiders:

• May become overwhelmed by brightly lit or chaotic visual environments

• Difficulty with bright or flashing lights

Tactile Processing Issues:

• Tactile Seekers:

• Constantly touching different textures or surfaces

• Seeking physical contact, such as hugging others frequently

• Always needing to hold objects in their hands (fidgeting)

• Tactile Avoiders:

• Avoidance of certain textures (refusing to wear certain clothes, avoiding sand or dirt)

• Discomfort when touched, even in casual social situations

• Difficulty with grooming activities like brushing teeth or hair due to texture sensitivity

Proprioceptive Sensory Challenges:

• Proprioceptive Seekers:

• Always in motion, constantly jumping, running, or climbing

• Enjoys pushing, pulling, or heavy lifting (craving deep pressure)

• May hit or crash into things intentionally

• Difficulty with body awareness (may seem clumsy or uncoordinated)

Vestibular Processing Challenges:

• Seeking spinning or swinging movements (enjoys swings or merry-go-rounds)

• Trouble with balance and coordination

• Discomfort with sudden changes in position or movements

Additional Symptoms:

• Toe-Walking: Often seen in more extreme cases, where the child may habitually walk on their toes.

• Mouthing: Frequently putting non-food objects into their mouth, even beyond the typical age.

• Aggression or Self-Injury: Some children may exhibit aggression or self-harm (biting, head-banging) when overwhelmed or frustrated.

• Limited or Repetitive Play: Playing with toys in the same way repeatedly (e.g., spinning wheels, lining up objects)

• Difficulty with Transitions: Struggles when transitioning between activities or locations, often needing extra time or preparation.

• Unusual Eating Habits: Picky eating, restricted diets, or refusal to eat foods of specific textures or colors.

• Hyper- or Hypo-reactivity to Sensory Input: Sensitivity or under-sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, smells, or temperature.

• Difficulty with Motor Coordination: Challenges with both fine and gross motor skills, such as using utensils, catching a ball, or writing.

Therapies for Autism

- Speech Therapy: Focuses on improving communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, including alternative communication methods.

- Occupational Therapy (OT): Helps with sensory processing issues, fine and gross motor skills, and daily living activities.

- Behavioral Therapy (ABA): Works on reducing challenging behaviors and enhancing social and learning skills.