What Are Patterns Of Behavior With Autism
Children with ASD also act in ways that seem unusual or have interests that arenât typical, including:
- Repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, jumping, or twirling
- Constant moving and âhyperâ behavior
- Fixations on certain activities or objects
- Specific routines or rituals
- Extreme sensitivity to touch, light, and sound
- Not taking part in âmake-believeâ play or imitating othersâ behaviors
- Fussy eating habits
- Aggressive behavior, both with self and others
- Short attention span
What Are The Causes Of Autism
Experts donât fully understand all of the causes of autism spectrum disorder. It seems to be genetic, but things such as parental age and prescription medications taken during pregnancy may be involved.
For instance:
- A person is more likely to be on the spectrum if a brother, sister, or parent is. But it doesnât always run in families.
- About 10% of kids with ASD have a form of genetic disorder such as Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome.
- A large Danish study found a link between ASD and advanced parental age of either parent.
- Women prescribed opioids just before pregnancy are likelier to have a child with ASD.
Some children who are on the spectrum start showing signs as young as a few months old. Others seem to have normal development for the first few months or years of their lives and then they start showing symptoms.
But up to half of parents of children with ASD noticed issues by the time their child reached 12 months, and between 80% and 90% noticed problems by 2 years. Children with ASD will have symptoms throughout their lives, but itâs possible for them to get better as they get older.
The autism spectrum is very wide. Some people might have very noticeable issues, others might not. The common thread is differences in social skills, communication, and behavior compared with people who arenât on the spectrum.
Problem Behaviors In Children With Autism Can Be Effectively Treated Learn The Types Of Treatments And How They Work
Children with autism spectrum disorder can present problem behaviors in many forms. Your child may show:
These behaviors may be challenging for you and can prevent your child from reaching his full potential. Having a child who engages in problem behavior can make daily tasks such as getting dressed, eating meals or going to the store difficultor even impossible.
While these behaviors can seem overwhelming, you dont have to deal with them alone. You can get effective help to improve your childs behavior.
What type of treatment is available?
Applied behavior analysis is a treatment approach that addresses problem behaviors. For most children, problem behavior serves the purpose of communicating a want or need. For example, some children may hit others to get attention, while others may hit to get out of having to do work. The first step in treating problem behavior is to identify its purpose. Then, a treatment can be developed that may promote a more appropriate way for the child to express himself or get what he needs.
How does treatment work?
Common treatment strategies used in ABA-based interventions include:
- Reinforcing appropriate behaviors by rewarding them.
- Refusing to give in to the problem behavior by giving your child what he wants.
- Using visual supports to communicate rules.
- Starting with small, achievable goals to encourage success.
Who should you contact for help?
You May Like: Is Ocd A Form Of Autism
Language And Communication Skills
An autistic child who needs more support in developing language and communication skills may exhibit some of these signs:
- cannot form sentences
- does not answer questions appropriately or follow directions
- does not understand counting or time
- reverses pronouns
- rarely or never uses gestures or body language such as waving or pointing
- talks in a flat or singsong voice
- does not understand jokes, sarcasm, or teasing
What Vitamins Minerals And Diet Changes Treat Autism Signs And Symptoms
Although many studies have been done to assess whether abnormal amounts of vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients can be found in people with autism, results have not clearly pointed to any abnormalities that are consistently linked with the disorder. Although few, if any, of these claims are backed up by scientific studies, parents and physicians alike have reported improvement in symptoms in people given certain supplements, including vitamin B, magnesium, cod liver oil, and vitamin C.
Some people with autism have food sensitivities and food allergies and dietary management is important in these cases to maintain nutrition and health. Another focus of dietary therapy is on problems with intestinal digestion and absorption of nutrients in foods suspected to be present in some individuals with autism. Some parents and professionals have reported improvements in symptoms of autism when diets eliminating suspect proteins, such as gluten , are consistently followed. However, there are no scientific studies to confirm their effectiveness.
Do not start giving a child supplements or dramatically change his or her diet without discussing it with the treatment team. It is important to maintain adequate nutrition to ensure optimal growth and development. Furthermore, although vitamins, minerals, and many other substances available as supplements are necessary for body functions, some of them can be dangerous if taken in excess.
You May Like: What Do You Call A Person With Autism
What Are The Characteristics Of Autism In Adults
Autism is characterized by numerous traits and symptoms, varying from one person to the next. Just like no single person is exactly the same to another, no person with autism is the same. That is why autism is considered a spectrum disorder. When looking at a rainbow, there is an array, or spectrum, of colors, and each color has countless shades. This is also true of the autism spectrum. Think of the colors and shades as the particular, one-of-a-kind characteristics of each individual with autism spectrum disorder.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder face a unique set of challenges in their daily lives. The challenges can alter their perception of the world and people around them in ways that others do not always understand. Some autistic adults may exhibit symptoms that resemble attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
An autism diagnosis can cause confusion and frustration on both ends, but knowledge is power. Understanding the signs of autism and how autism spectrum disorder impacts a persons life can help both parties improve their interactions and communication. While autistic personality traits and symptoms can differ from one person with autism to another, there are some general characteristics of autism in adults.
Here are five general autistic traits in adults with autism spectrum disorder.
Restricted Or Repetitive Behaviors Or Interests
People with ASD have behaviors or interests that can seem unusual. These behaviors or interests set ASD apart from conditions defined by problems with social communication and interaction only.
Examples of restricted or repetitive behaviors and interests related to ASD can include
- Lines up toys or other objects and gets upset when order is changed
- Repeats words or phrases over and over
- Plays with toys the same way every time
- Is focused on parts of objects
- Gets upset by minor changes
- Has obsessive interests
- Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins self in circles
- Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
Also Check: How To Tell If Your Child Is Slightly Autistic
Apply To National University To Earn Your Masters Degree In Applied Behavior Analysis
Pursue your professional goals while making a positive difference in the lives of children and teenagers. Become a certified autism specialist, an ABA therapist, a school counselor, or explore similar career paths by applying to National University.
At National University, we offer more than 75 accredited degree programs for undergraduate, graduate, and transfer students, including on-campus and online programs in fields like ABA, school psychology, educational counseling, and more. To learn more about applying to one of our ABA degree programs, or to request information about our scholarships and benefits for military students, contact the NU admissions office today.
Characteristics Of Individuals With An Autism Spectrum Disorder
Dr. Cathy Pratt, BCBA-D Updated by: Rachel Hopf, M.A., SLP-CCC, Graduate Assistant and Kelsey Larriba-Quest, M.Ed., Graduate Assistant
While individuals with an autism spectrum disorder are unique as anyone else, some common global characteristics exist within the population. These characteristics vary in intensity, degree, and amount, and manifest differently from person to person and over time. The following characteristics associated with ASD are loosely based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition and should be used to gain a better understanding of individuals identified with ASD, design a program, or facilitate discussion.
Don’t Miss: Do Adhd Meds Help With Anxiety
Difficulty Responding To Kindness
Autistic children may also have a tough time managing their responses to adult or peer “kindness.” The following examples may sound familiar for parents of autistic children:
- Grandparent comes to visit. They see their autistic grandchild, open their arms, and ask for a big hug. The grandchild runs in the opposite direction at top speed. Grandparent follows them and gives them that hug, only to be rewarded with a kick in the shins.
- Grandparent gives their autistic grandchild a gift, and their grandchild says, at an age when they should know better, “I don’t like this! I wanted a ___!”
- A peer from school agrees to a play date and finds themselves ignored for several hours while the autistic child plays alone. Or the guest may spend two hours being told, “Don’t touch that!”
All of these behaviors can lead to hurt or even angry feelings. Yet all are typical of autism, and, in most cases, result from sensory, communication, or behavioral challenges that are common for those who have autism.
Let The Child Know What Will Happen Next
For example, After you finish the puzzle, it is time to brush your teeth, or In five minutes it is time to turn off the computer and start your writing assignment. For some children it is helpful to set a timer so the child can keep track of how much time is left. So in the example above In five minutes it is time to turn off the computer and start your writing assignment you would set the timer for five minutes. Some children need reminders as the time is winding down to 2 minutes, 1 minute, etc.
For children who have trouble understanding the concept of time or numbers, a visual timer can be helpful because the child can see how much time is left.
Visual timers can be purchased on or other online stores. Here are some examples below that you can click on to see prices and reviews.
With a red clock visual timer, children can see time running out as the red disappears.
Sand timers let children know that time is up when the sand at the top gets to the bottom.
You can even get a free visual timer app on your IPhone, IPAD, or Android device. Just do a search for visual timer in your app store.
See 3 Ways to Use Timers to Encourage Homework and Chore Completion for more information on how to implement timers for children with and without autism.
You would need to get the paper laminated and purchase Velcro to make this kind of chart .
Read Also: How To Reverse Autism Naturally
Characteristics Of Stimming Behaviors
Stimming behaviors can vary, but they share common characteristics. If your child stims, you will find that he can stop when you tell him to, at least temporarily. Eventually, the behavior will return or be replaced by another behavior. Your child may stim when he is excited, anxious, bored or feels pressured by social demands. All infants engage in these behaviors, but toddlers, children and adults with autism often do not outgrow them.
Some typically developing children may display these behaviors as well, but they are more easily stopped or redirected in these children. Children who have more severe autism spectrum disorders tend to stim more often and more intensely.
Two Groups Of Behaviors
Niruja HealthTech” alt=”Autism: does your child suffer from ASD? > Niruja HealthTech”> Researchers separate repetitive behaviors into two groups: “lower-order” and “higher-order” repetitive behaviors. You might recognize the former if you’ve seen behaviors such as fidgeting, hand-flapping, or repeating certain words or phrases. The latter is typified by a desire for sameness, a preference for routine, and intense interests.
Recommended Reading: Vanderbilt Assessment For Adhd
What Is The Prognosis For Autism Can It Be Cured
Although, to different degrees of severity, the core features of autism are life-long, predicting the course for an individual with autism is very difficult. Many different variables enter into each person’s experience with autism, including the symptoms and associated behaviors and their severity, the family environment, and the types of interventions used. An individual’s IQ is often a predictor of future functioning, with increasing IQ and communication skills associated with an increased ability to live independently. Some people with autism are able to develop their communication and social skills to a degree that allows them a fair degree of independence. Others can learn some skills but still require ongoing support from their family and others throughout their lives.
There is no cure for autism.
Where Can I Get Information About Support Groups And Counseling For Autism
Having a child diagnosed with autism can be a devastating experience for many parents and families. They may feel frustrated, confused, and afraid they may even “grieve” for their “normal child.”
Living with autism presents many new challenges for the person with autism and for his or her family and friends.
Parents of autistic children certainly have many worries. They wonder if their children will be able to achieve, if they will be able to be independent, and if they will be able to be happy and enjoy life. Parents also probably have many worries about how autism will affect them and their ability to live a normal life, that is, to care for their family and home, to hold a job, and to continue the friendships and activities they enjoy. Many people feel anxious and depressed. Some people feel angry and resentful others feel helpless and defeated.
For most people who have a child with autism, and even for some with autism themselves, talking about their feelings and concerns helps.
Friends and family members can be very supportive. They may be hesitant to offer support until they see how you are coping. Don’t wait for them to bring it up. If you want to talk about your concerns, let them know.
For information about support groups in the area for families with an autistic child, contact the following organizations:
You May Like: Autism Level 2 Symptoms
Strategy #: Using Speech Generating Devices
Like its name suggests, a speech generating device is a piece of equipment that produces speech for the user, either through alphabet keys or visual symbols. Various studies have shown that SGDs can be effective, particularly for children and young adults aged 3 to 20 years old.
- Pros SGDs are generally convenient and easy to use. Additionally, by enabling users to create speech , SGDs can help to facilitate interactions with others.
- Cons Speech generating devices can be costly, which might limit accessibility.
Make Directions Clear Short And Concrete
For example, if your child is throwing food at the table say, eat your food rather than Be good at the table, Dont throw your food or Would you stop with that! You are always throwing your food. For children with difficulty understanding language, showing them a picture or a visual demonstration of the behavior you want to see, can be helpful.
Don’t Miss: How To Get A Child With Autism To Eat
Strategy #: Using Sign Language
As of 2019, roughly 1 million people were using American Sign Language as their primary means of communication. Learning ASL can open tremendous doors for children with ASD, facilitating communication with a wide community of ASL users.
- Pros Sign language offers children a way of expressing themselves quickly and in detail.
- Cons Sign language can be challenging to master, and may not be accessible for children who have limited dexterity or use of their hands and fingers.
It is important for therapists to weigh the potential drawbacks against the potential benefits when deciding upon an appropriate type of assistive technology, or method of increasing communication, for each patient. Each child has unique needs, abilities, and limitations which must be assessed when, for instance, weighing sign language against communication boards.
What Are The 5 Different Types Of Autism
What are the 5 different types of autism?
- Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder , previously called Aspergers Syndrome
- Rhett Syndrome, although this has been removed from the spectrum
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
- Kanners Syndrome or Classic Autistic Disorder and.
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified .
You May Like: How To Calm Down Autistic Kid
A Struggle With Social Imagination
Social imagination refers to the ability to imagine what another person or persons may be:
Being able to guess reasonably accurately what another person is thinking or feeling given the present context or situation is an important part of social connectedness and the ability to relate to others.
Autism can often lead to a lack of social imagination that makes it difficult for those with the condition to understand the behavior and intentions of those around them. Those on the spectrum might have trouble relating to others or picking up on social cues. They may find it hard to imagine anything that does not fall within the boundaries of their set parameters.
Unfortunately, this symptom of autism is often perceived as a lack of creativity. It would be wrong to assume this since autistic people are typically exceptionally creative.
Due to their trouble relating to others, autistic people often find it hard to follow social rules or interpret others:
This challenge impacts their ability to feel and show empathy. This is why individuals with autism can sometimes be perceived as aloof.
Just like with developing social skills, social imagination skills can be improved upon through:
- interpretive play
- experiential learning