Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder characterized by impaired social skills, repetitive behaviour, delayed speech, and cognitive development. These signs of autism are caused due to the difference in brain development and the ability to process information.
Most autistic individuals can be diagnosed as early as 18 months. However, if the symptoms are mild, a reliable diagnosis might come much later. However, decades of research and clinical tests suggest that early intervention can have a positive impact on the quality of life of people with autism.
To this effect, the early years of schooling can be highly crucial, and here’s how teachers can aid the diagnosis by looking out for the common signs of autism:
- Trouble interacting with peers
The most easily recognisable sign of autism is difficulty to interact with or play with other students. While this can also be attributed to the child’s preference of playing alone – especially in cases where they are an only child. Children often overcome this type of behaviour and start playing and interacting with their classmates eventually. But if such individualistic behaviour persists over a longer duration, it might be best to bring it to the parents’ and/or counsellor’s attention.
- Sensory overload issues
Children with autism might get overwhelmed by bright lights and react strongly to loud noises. They might even be sensitive to touch, smell, and crowded spaces such as busy hallways. The sensitivity can be mild or crippling to the point of it manifesting as physical pain. This sign of autism oftentimes goes undetected at home as it is a familiar environment with predictable surroundings but can get aggravated at school.
- Resistance to change
Autistic individuals prefer known scenarios over any surprises or spontaneous changes. This allows them to determine the pattern of their behaviour. If they come across an experience that is previously unknown to them, it can confuse and disturb them. It is indicative of their reliance on routines and resistance to change, a very tell-tale characteristic of autism spectrum disorder.
- Delayed developmental milestones
Being a neurodevelopmental disorder, autism can significantly delay developmental milestones in children. It isn’t uncommon for this sign to get overlooked at home, but in a classroom full of children in the same age group, such delays become clearer. This can also translate into the loss of the milestones the child has already achieved. As someone who witnesses the growth and development of children first-hand, teachers are likely to notice these signs before anyone else.
- Repetitive and obsessive behaviour
Another common sign of autism is repetitive and obsessive behaviour. For example, repeating a word or phrase over and over, hand flapping, tapping and spinning among others. It can also occur in the form of repetitively arranging toys in a certain manner, repeatedly opening and closing doors, or even asking the same questions.
- Not understanding social cues
Autistic individuals find it difficult to infer the meaning of social cues. They cannot instinctively ‘read the room’ and adjust their behaviour to suit the situation. In a classroom setting, autistic children might not understand sarcasm, unspoken inferences, irony, or jokes. They may also have a hard time interpreting the social behaviour and intentions of those around them.
- Other signs of autism
Additionally, other signs of autism in children that teachers can look out for include the inability to maintain eye contact, learning difficulties, lack of spatial awareness, and issues with fine motor skills. Most children learn to ‘mask’ their autism traits and anxiety at a very early stage. This might find an outlet in the form of disruptive behaviour towards other children and/or staff members.
Conclusion:
Since autism is a spectrum disorder, it can affect different individuals differently and no two autistic children will be the same. Early detection and proper intervention can help autistic children develop coping mechanisms and lead a well-adjusted life as adults.
Besides, children with autism and other developmental disabilities tend to be obsessively passionate about a range of interests. Motivation and encouragement in the form of instructional support and a positive schooling experience that is free from judgement and bullying can build a solid foundation for them to thrive on.
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