We will discuss some easy patterns of diagnosing Autism. Early diagnosis can make a significant difference within the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.

Autism is a developmental disorder affecting 1 in 59 children.  There is no single cause for it & its symptoms vary to a large extent that is why it is called as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Symptoms of ASD persist throughout life but if diagnosed earlier the life quality of the individual could be improved to a great extent.

But it isn’t always easy to form its diagnosis. There’s no specific lab test for it, so doctors believe in observing the behaviors of very young children and taking note of the concerns of their parents.

ASD children show a very wide range of symptoms. Some people that are “on the spectrum” have severe mental disabilities. Others are extremely smart and ready to live independently.

Wherever your child falls on the spectrum, getting an autism diagnosis may be a two-stage process, and it starts together with your pediatrician.

Pediatricians are the first step within the autism diagnosis process. Every child gets an assessment at their 18 and 24-months checkups to diagnose ASD at early stage even if they don’t have any challenging symptoms.

At these visits, your child’s pediatrician will watch them and ask them about your child’s development and behavior.

Here are some questions your doctors are going to be inquire for:

• Did your baby smile at the age of 6 months?
• Did they copy sounds and facial expressions at the age of 9 months?
• Are they babbling and cooing at the age of 12 months?
• Is any unusual or repetitive behavior?
• Do they lack eye contact?
• Do they interact with people and share their experiences?
• Are they more sensitive to light, noise, or temperature?
• Any problems related to sleep or digestion?

Three easy patterns for diagnosing Autism

1. First pattern is the social pattern

• A child with ASD has challenges in interacting with others
• They don’t respond to their name at the age of one year.
• They are not engaged in playing. Sharing or talking with others
• They like to be alone
• They lack eye contact
• They don’t understand their own & other’s emotions.

2. Second pattern is the communication pattern

• They have speech delay, echolalia (Repeating to the same word / phrase)
• They are rarely or not using a pointing

3. Third pattern is behavior

• Children with autism have repetitive Behaviors like hand flapping rocking or jumping
• Hyperactive
• Hypersensitive to light, touch & sound
• Aggressive behavior
• Lack of coordination
• Short attention span

These are 3 patterns that you could see in the autistic child because there is no definite test or investigation to diagnose autism.

You can take the help of a development milestone to diagnose your child at early stage such as.

1. Smile at the age of 6 months
2. Babbles by 12 months
3. Speak single words by 16 months
4. Walk well, pretend play like feeding a doll or drinking in empty cup by 18 months?
5. Is your child speak simple sentences & run at 2 years of age?
6. Is your child tells a story at 4 years of age?

 If these milestones are delayed consult immediately with your doctor.