You might be looking at your child and thinking that seem a little different than their siblings or your friend’s kids, your child’s teacher might have brought up "red flags" with you and mentioned that they’re seeing some of these in your child, or your GP might have suggested further assessment for Autism. But what are these “Autism characteristics” people are saying they see, and what does this mean for your little one?
Note, I don’t refer to Autism characteristics as “red flags” and don’t think anyone should. This label just further connotes negative feelings around Autism while also perpetuating the idea that Autism primarily exists as the “savant boy” stereotype. Autism characteristics provide more accurate representation around the different profiles in Autism and how it can present very differently from one person to the next.
In the DSM 5, Autism is diagnosed by gathering information around two domains; Social Communication and Restricted, Repetitive and Sensory Behaviour or Interests. To meet the diagnostic criteria for Autism, children must have differences from what’s considered “normal” in both areas, and these differences must have been apparent in early childhood, even if these aren’t identified at the time.
Ok, so what does this mean?
Childhood milestones are based on the average age children develop certain skills. An Autistic child may develop these skills at a different rate or in a different way than these milestones.
Some speech and language characteristics may include:
Not using mouth words in way described in milestone guides, or starting to use words at an exceptionally young age
Repeating words or scripts either immediately after hearing them or after a delayed amount of time (e.g. reciting a favourite tv show)
Talking at great length about topics of interest, but not talking in this way about less interesting concepts
Rarely responding to people when spoken to, especially when expected to respond to comments
Using lots or little eye contact
Having very well developed vocabulary especially in relation to a special interest e.g. knowing heaps of dinosaur names or being able to describe a favourite movie in amazing detail
Having a profound gift for imaginative play, or rarely engaging in role plays
Having trouble making friends, especially if they are not around children who have their same interests
Befriending children who will “take them under their wing.” This is especially common in Autistic girls and is one of the reasons females are often not diagnosed until after childhood
These are just some of the communication characteristics one might observe in an Autistic person, but is definitely not exhaustive. Every Autistic person’s presentation, skills, challenges, hopes and interests are different and as such, their characteristics will be different too. Have a think about your child and if there are any ways in which their development differed from typical milestones. Australian milestones can be found at https://www.startingblocks.gov.au/your-childs-development and is a good place to start when thinking about possible Autism characteristics in your child.
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