What to Know About Autism in Kids

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of conditions that affect human development. Signs of autism in preschoolers vary but often include problems with behavior, communication, and social skills. Although some preschoolers with autism might exhibit only mild symptoms, others might experience severe symptoms that affect their daily functioning. 

More research into the causes and treatments of autism in preschoolers is necessary. However, existing studies show that diagnosing and treating autism as early as possible is in a child’s best interest. Children with autism are more likely to develop conditions such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, and anxiety. About 1 out of 160 children in the world today have ASD.

This article looks into the signs of autism in preschoolers and what you need to know if your child exhibits them.

Symptoms of Autism in Preschoolers 

Preschoolers with autism experience a wide range of symptoms. Signs of the condition might be different in girls than in boys, complicating diagnosis. For example, girls with autism typically are quieter and better at "masking" their symptoms than boys.

Likewise, signs of autism in young children can differ from those in their older counterparts. Some of the most common symptoms of the disorder include: 

• Trouble making or maintaining eye contact with other people 
• Difficulty communicating with other people 
• Difficulty learning new things
• Issues with handling change 
• Reacting strongly to loud noises and bright lights 
• Repeating behaviors such as clapping hands or rocking back and forth

Signs of Autism in Younger Children 

Autism can be detected in children as young as 2 years old. Some research shows that you might even begin to notice symptoms at as early as 18 months. Some early signs of autism in babies and toddlers include being unable to: 

• Respond to their name when called 
• Get your attention when they want it 
• Follow visual objects 
• Accept cuddles or make physical contact 
• Imitate facial expressions or movements of people around them 
• Being unable to communicate even with baby talk 

Signs of Autism in Older Children

As children get older, signs of autism become easier to detect. An older child might: 

• Be unresponsive or hostile when you try to touch them 
• Miss social cues
• Have trouble communicating their needs 
  
• Avoid making eye contact with other people 
• Have difficulty making friends 
• Prefer to remain in isolation than interact with others
• Stick to a strict routine and get upset when it's disrupted 

How Autism Is Diagnosed in Children 

No specific medical test is used to diagnose autism in children. However, specific diagnostic tools can detect autism in children as young as 2 years.

In determining whether a preschooler has autism, a healthcare provider typically looks for signs such as: 

• Being unable to make eye contact 
• Not having spoken by 16 months 
• Speaking very little or in an unusual voice 
• Not communicating with hands by age 1
• Losing social or language skills 
• Exhibiting repetitive behavior such as saying every word they hear or making a particular gesture over and over again

What Causes Autism in Preschoolers?

Pinpointing the causes of autism is difficult, but multiple risk factors are thought to contribute to the development of the condition.

Research does show that the brains of children with autism look different from those who do not have the condition. In the early years, the brains of children with autism appear to grow faster than those of other children. It’s not clear what causes this accelerated growth, but it affects the way the brain behaves.

Historically, vaccines have been wrongly linked to the development of autism. However, decades of research have thoroughly debunked this notion. No vaccines have been linked to the development of autism.

How Autism Is Treated in Children 

No cure for autism has been developed as yet. However, with the proper treatment, its symptoms can be adequately managed. The treatment for ASD in preschoolers depends on the severity of their symptoms.

Medication

The FDA hasn't approved any medications for the treatment of autism. However, a healthcare provider might prescribe one to treat specific symptoms of autism or conditions that might have developed as a result.  

Therapy

Treatments for autism in preschoolers depend on their unique individual needs. The following therapies are most commonly used: 

• Occupational therapy aims to equip children who have autism with skills to function in their day-to-day lives. 
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is among the most effective forms of therapy for children with autism, whether they exhibit mild or severe symptoms. It equips them with communication and social skills to help them interact with other people.

Tips for Parents of Preschoolers With Autism

Raising a child with autism can be challenging. Although ASD can be managed with the right treatment, there’s no cure. It’s a lifelong condition requiring consistent management.

Here are some tips to help you and your preschooler manage their condition: 

• Stay on top of the treatment plan. This typically involves a combination of medication and therapy. With the right treatment plan, your child with autism can live a healthy life. 
• Join support groups. Autism Society, Asperger/Autism Network (AANE), and Autism Speaks exist to help parents of children with autism connect and share experiences and strategies.
• Take care of yourself. Caregiver burnout is common. To prevent it, be kind to yourself and keep your mind and body as healthy as possible.
• Watch for early signs in your other children. If you have one child with autism, your subsequent children are at risk, too. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers Learn the Signs, Act Early, a program that includes materials and information to help parents spot early signs of autism and other developmental disorders.