Understanding Autism in Children: Beyond the Obvious
As a clinical psychologist, I often speak with parents and educators who are trying to understand a child's unique way of interacting with the world. While some signs of autism may be widely known, many can be subtle and easily missed or misinterpreted. This post is for you, to help you recognize the early indicators and understand when to seek support.
The Subtle Signs of Autism
It's common to associate autism with a lack of eye contact or hand flapping, but the picture is often much more nuanced, especially in girls and high-functioning children. Here are some of the more subtle signs I look for in my practice:
Unusual Play Patterns: A child may be highly creative but play with toys in a rigid or repetitive way, such as lining up cars rather than rolling them. They might prefer solitary play or struggle with imaginary scenarios. They also may be very controlling of play, and not flexible allowing others to lead or join.
Intense, Narrow Interests: This is more than just a hobby. A child might have an encyclopedic knowledge of a very specific topic, like dinosaurs, ride schedules, countries or train schedules, and will find it difficult to talk about anything else. This can look "typical" too like makeup for girls or pop culture.
Challenges with Figurative Language: They may take idioms literally, struggle with sarcasm, or have difficulty understanding the "social rules" of a conversation, such as when it's their turn to speak. They also may struggle with perspective taking, not being able to put themselves in other's shoes.
Sensitivity to Sensory Input: A child may be highly sensitive to certain sounds, textures, smells, or lights, which can lead to distress or avoidance in certain environments. Conversely, they might actively seek out certain sensations, like spinning or touching soft fabrics.
The Overlap with ADHD
Many of the traits I mentioned above can, at first glance, look like another neurodevelopmental condition, especially ADHD. It's why a thorough assessment is so important.
Inattention: A child with autism may appear inattentive because they are hyper-focused on their special interest and can't shift their attention to another task. This is different from a child with ADHD, who struggles with sustained attention across the board.
Hyperactivity: Restlessness or fidgeting can be a form of sensory-seeking in a child with autism, whereas in ADHD, it's often a direct symptom of hyperactivity.
Social Difficulties: A child with ADHD might struggle socially due to impulsivity or interrupting others. A child with autism may have social difficulties because they are not grasping the unspoken rules of social interaction.
These overlaps make it crucial to get a comprehensive evaluation that can differentiate between these conditions, as the support and interventions for each are different.
When to Ask for Help
If you've noticed a few of these indicators and are feeling uncertain, trust your instincts. The best time to seek help is as soon as you have concerns. Early support can make a huge difference in a child's development and well-being.
Consider reaching out to a professional if you observe any of the following:
Difficulties with Social Connection: Your child struggles to make or keep friends or seems isolated from peers.
Communication Challenges: They have trouble initiating conversations, engaging in back-and-forth dialogue, or understanding social cues.
Coping with Change: They experience significant distress with changes in routine or transitions from one activity to another.
Intense Emotional Reactions: They have frequent, intense meltdowns that seem disproportionate to the situation, which may be a sign of sensory overwhelm or a need for a specific, unmet need.
A thorough assessment often includes a variety of measures, including an observation of your child in their natural environment, such as at school. This allows me to see firsthand how they interact with peers and teachers and how they navigate their daily routines.
Above all, remember that seeking an assessment isn't about giving a child a label; it's about gaining clarity and understanding so we can build a world where they feel empowered to thrive.
The (Positive) Impact of Diagnosis
When a diagnosis is made, it can be a turning point for both the child and the family. For the child, the testing process provides them with new insights and strategies, moving them from a place of confusion to a place of self-understanding. For the family, the answers bring a sense of clarity and a roadmap for the future. The diagnosis helps them understand their child's behaviors, identify their unique strengths, and find the right support, allowing them to parent with greater confidence and compassion.
Above all, remember that seeking an assessment isn't about giving a child a label; it's about gaining clarity and understanding so we can build a world where they feel empowered to thrive.
If you’d like to learn more, please feel free to email me or schedule an appointment today. I look forward to connecting with you!