Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and behaves. Each child with autism is unique, and their symptoms can vary widely. Below is a simple explanation of common autism symptoms: 1. Social Challenges Difficulty Interacting: Trouble with conversations, sharing interests, or understanding social cues like tone of voice or facial expressions. Non-Verbal Communication: Challenges using or understanding gestures, eye contact, and body language. For example, they may avoid eye contact or not smile in response to others. Making Friends: Difficulty forming and maintaining friendships or understanding how to behave in social situations. 2. Repetitive Behaviors and Routines Repetitive Actions: Behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, or repeating words (echolalia). Loving Routines: Preferring the same daily schedule and getting upset by changes. Intense Interests: A strong focus on specific topics, objects, or activities, often spending hours on them. Sensory Sensitivities: Over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, lights, smells, or textures. For example, being distressed by loud noises or fascinated by certain fabrics. 3. Thinking and Emotions Literal Thinking: Difficulty understanding jokes, sarcasm, or sayings like “it’s raining cats and dogs.” Emotional Challenges: Struggles to handle emotions, leading to meltdowns or withdrawal when upset. Difficulty with Abstract Ideas: Problems understanding concepts like metaphors or imagining “what if” situations. 4. Developmental Delays Speech and Language Delays: Some children may not talk at all, while others may speak later than expected or in unusual ways. Uneven Skills: Strong abilities in some areas (like music or memorizing facts) but delays in others (like social skills or motor abilities). 5. Physical and Behavioral Symptoms Digestive Issues: Common problems like constipation or stomach pain. Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or having irregular sleep patterns. Hyperactivity or Impulsivity: Some children are overly active or find it hard to focus. Self-Injury: Repetitive actions like head-banging or biting themselves in some cases. 6. Emotional Traits Anxiety or Stress: High levels of stress or anxiety, often related to sensory or social difficulties. Attachment to Objects: Strong interest in unusual items, such as strings, a particular toy, or household items. Empathy Challenges: Difficulty understanding others’ feelings, though they may feel emotions deeply themselves. Signs in Babies and Toddlers No babbling or pointing by 12 months. No words by 16 months or no two-word phrases by 24 months. Little interest in games like peek-a-boo or responding to their name. Dr. Physio Child Development Center, we specialize in therapies tailored to children with autism and other developmental challenges. Our expert team focuses on improving physical, emotional, and sensory abilities through: Physiotherapy: Enhancing motor skills, balance, and coordination. Occupational Therapy: Supporting daily activities and sensory integration. Speech Therapy: Helping with communication and language development. Location: 5th Floor, Amrapali Axiom Complex, Above SBI Bank, Near Sankalp Restaurant, Bopal, Ahmedabad. Contact Us: 📞 8347693569 / 7874837101 Join us at Dr. Physio and give your child the support they deserve to thrive. Together, let’s build a brighter future! #AutismSupport #ChildDevelopment #EarlyIntervention #DrPhysio #AhmedabadMoms #BopalAhmedabad