Signs and Symptoms of Autism
Individuals with ASD often have difficulty with social communication and interaction, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, and challenges with their ability to function in school, work and other areas of life. Because Autism is a spectrum disorder, the signs and symptoms can vary significantly from person to person.
Common Signs of Autism in Children
- Difficult understanding other people’s emotions
- Difficulty maintaining appropriate eye contact
- Delays or regression in language development
- Repetitive behaviors, sometimes called “stimming,” like rocking, spinning, swaying, flapping hands, etc.
- Hyperfixated on specific interests
- Has a good memory for certain topics, songs, numbers or words
- Hyper- or hyposensitivity to light, sound or texture
If you are wondering if you, your child or a loved one may have ASD, discuss with your pediatrician or a trusted health care professional. From there, you may want to make an appointment for an evaluation with Hattiesburg Clinic.
Common Signs of Autism in Adults
- Difficulty understanding what others are thinking or feeling
- Social anxiety, difficulty making friends or preferring to be alone
- Overly blunt without meaning to
- Difficulty expressing emotions
- Interpreting things very literally or difficulty understanding sarcasm or humor
- Becoming overly anxious about changes in routine
- Becoming anxious or overwhelmed by certain noises, sights, tastes or textures, or needing to calm yourself in certain situations through repetitive behaviors (“stimming”)
If ASD has gone undiagnosed well into adulthood, these individuals may not clearly recognize the signs of autism because they have developed coping strategies, called “masking,” to fit into society. Individuals with ASD may seek care from a mental health professional for anxiety or depression, not realizing that the incredible effort they are putting into masking is taking a toll on their mental health.