Autism can be difficult to understand as many people don’t know how it develops. And although there are tests to determine if your child has autism, many times, the parents have to be the ones to recognize the signs.
But what are the signs of autism? Knowing the symptoms can help you identify if your child has autism. Here’s a guide on what autism is and the symptoms of it.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism or autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by various symptoms. Although the signs and symptoms vary from person to person, they typically include difficulties with social interaction, repetitive behaviors, expressing emotions, difficulty transitioning, gastrointestinal issues, sensory issues, immune system issues, and more.
More research continues to be done on autism, including categorizing autism as an autoimmune disease affecting the brain and nervous system. Although more research is needed to confirm this, abnormal immune system responses in autism are typical and identified as part of the disorder. The number of people with autism is rising, so functional medicine professionals are learning how to treat it by finding a lifestyle promoting healthy, happy, high functioning, and meaningful lives.
What Are the Signs of Autism?
Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning the symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people have severe symptoms, while others are unnoticeable. Some signs to look for include:
- Difficulty with communication
- Inappropriate use of gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, tone of voice
- Difficulty recognizing, expressing, and responding to emotions
- Feeling uncomfortable in social situations
- Extreme interest or non-interest in specific topics
- Repetitive body movements (rocking, flapping hands, or spinning)
- Resistance to change
- Specific food preferences or aversions
- Sensory processing differences
- Immune system abnormalities
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (constipation, loose stools, frequent stomach aches)
- Lining up objects
- Labile mood, increased tantrums, or emotional outbursts