What Are the 3 Main Symptoms of Autism? Let’s Talk

We often hear about autism and how children can be affected by it. Have you ever thought about what autism is exactly? Have you seen any symptoms of someone? Or are you confused about it totally okay? Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible and chat about the three main symptoms of autism. Believe us, you’ll completely understand everything at the end of this. Let’s get started!

First, What Is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as it is usually designated, refers to a deficit in how a person thinks, converses, and behaves. The term “spectrum” is particularly useful here because it reveals autism varies greatly for each individual. Some individuals with this disorder can talk but fail to understand emotions; others may be silent.
Now we’re going to the three main symptoms of autism and then come up with actual definitions of key points that tell doctors and teachers that a child might be autistic.

Symptom 1: Challenges with Communication

Communication is the art of sharing thoughts and ideas through spoken words. This is one of the reasons why those with autism have a hard time. Let us explain why.

Talking:

Understanding:

Body Language:

Here’s a quick table to show what communication challenges might look like:

Type of Communication What It Could Look Like in Autism
Talking Speaking in short phrases or repeating words
Understanding Not getting jokes or sarcasm
Body Language Avoiding eye contact or not using gestures

Symptom 2: Repetitive Behaviors and Routines

Did you ever feel very comfortable by repeating the same and same activity without feeling any botheration? Or, maybe, you might want to go over a specific morning routine for the nth time or see that your favorite TV show has been repeated just for your watch. This entire thing actually happens in the daily life of any autistic person. Here are some examples:
  • Hand-flapping.
  • Rocking back and forth.
  • Spinning around in circles.
  • Eats the same breakfast every day.
  • Gets upset if plans suddenly change.
  • Loves one topic so much and learns EVERYTHING about it.
  • Can talk about it for hours.

Here’s another table to break it down:

Type of Communication Examples
Repetitive Movements Hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning
Liking Sameness Sticking to the same routine every day
Strong Interests Knowing everything about a favorite topic

Symptom 3: Challenges with Social Skills

Interpersonal skills are similar to how we interact with each other. It doesn’t take a stretch of the imagination to see how autistic individuals could struggle. It doesn’t mean that they are not willing to make friends, but their brains just work differently. Here are some ways social challenges might show up:
  • Might not know how to start a conversation.
  • Feels unsure about joining a group of kids who are playing.
  • Finds it hard to tell if someone is sad, happy, or angry.
  • Might not notice when someone’s feelings change.
  • Likes playing alone sometimes.
  • Prefers organizing toys instead of pretending with them.

Check out this table to see what I mean:

Social Skill What It Could Look Like in Autism
Making Friends Being unsure how to start or keep a conversation
Understanding Emotions Not noticing if someone is upset or happy
Playing KPreferring to play alone or in unique ways

Why Is It Important to Understand These Symptoms?

Great question. When we understand these symptoms, it helps us be more kind and supportive to people with autism. For example:

Plus, understanding autism can help us celebrate the amazing things people with autism can do. Many of them have incredible talents, like solving tough math problems, creating amazing art, or noticing details that other people might miss.

What Can You Do to Help?

If you have a friend or classmate with autism, here are some easy ways to be a good friend:

  • Give them time to talk or respond.
  • Don’t rush them.
  • Ask about what they love.
  • Show you’re interested too.
  • If they’re upset, try to understand why.
  • Stay calm and help them feel better.
  • Invite them to games or activities.
  • Even if they play differently, it’s okay.

If you are looking for support and autism treatment for your children, then Continua Kids would be a great choice. That’s true considering all the necessary training and quite the stronghold on making a difference.

Final Thoughts

Autism is not something one should be scared of or feel bad about; autism is just having a different way of experiencing the world. There are basically three common challenges when it comes to communication: repetitive behavior, and social skills. By learning more about these three different things, we can be nicer and kinder friends, schoolmates, and neighbors to those with autism. Moreover, people with autistic characteristics are just as unique and wonderful as others. And so, let us celebrate the difference as well as continue learning new ways to support each other.

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