Hello everyone, I am Dr. Li Yanchun, a pediatrician. Today, I will talk about what behaviors children may exhibit when they have autism? How can parents prevent it?
According to statistics, about one in every 100 children may be affected by autism, a number that not only alarms society but also reminds us of the urgent need to understand and pay attention to autism. Through five key behaviors, I will discuss when to seek help from a professional doctor.
1. Lack of social interaction and barriers
One of the most prominent features of children with autism is significant difficulties in social interaction. They may avoid eye contact, lack appropriate responses to facial expressions, body language, and voices of others. In group activities, they often appear out of place, finding it difficult to integrate into games or conversations with peers. If a child consistently shows disinterest in others, a lack of desire to share, or struggles to establish friendships, this may be an early sign of autism.
2. Limited communication abilities
Communication involves more than just speaking; it also includes non-verbal forms of communication. Children with autism may have delays or complete absence in language expression, and even if they can speak, they may repeat phrases, have unusual intonations, or find it challenging to understand others. Additionally, they may have difficulty understanding or utilizing gestures, facial expressions, and other non-verbal communication methods. Parents should pay close attention if their child shows significant obstacles in these areas.
3. Stereotyped and repetitive interests and behaviors
Children with autism often exhibit extreme interests in specific things or activities, and may repetitively engage in certain behaviors or actions, such as arranging toys, spinning objects, or repeating the same phrases. This stereotyped and repetitive behavioral pattern not only limits their range of interests but may also affect daily life and learning. When these behaviors become excessively frequent or interfere with the child’s normal functioning, seeking professional evaluation becomes crucial.
4. Unusual sensory sensitivity
Children with autism may also have abnormalities in sensory processing, showing either excessive sensitivity or low sensitivity to certain stimuli (such as sound, light, touch). They may feel extremely uncomfortable with mild touches or show no response to loud noises. These differences in sensory sensitivity not only affect the child’s comfort but can also intensify their anxiety and impact social interactions and learning.
5. Emergence of emotional and behavioral issues
Children with autism often face challenges in emotional regulation, easily experiencing anxiety, depression, irritability, or aggressive behavior. They may find it difficult to understand or express their emotions, leading to emotional outbursts or social conflicts. These emotional and behavioral issues not only affect the child’s mental health but can also create stress on family and social relationships. Therefore, when observing continuous emotional fluctuations or behavioral problems in a child, seeking professional help promptly is essential.
Conclusion
Facing the complex challenge of autism, we should not be afraid but rather come together with a scientific attitude, professional knowledge, and endless love to pave a path of understanding and acceptance for children. Remember, every child with autism is unique, and they need not only treatment but also understanding, respect, and support. When you notice any of the above behaviors in your child, promptly consult a pediatrician or a professional institution to let expertise guide the child’s future.
