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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)is a range of conditions that affect human development. Signs of autism in preschoolers vary but often include problems with behavior, communication, and social skills. Although some preschoolers with autism might exhibit only mild symptoms, others might experience severe symptoms that affect their daily functioning.
More research into the causes and treatments of autism in preschoolers is necessary. However, existing studies show that diagnosing and treating autism as early as possible is in a child’s best interest. Children with autism are more likely to develop conditions such as depression,attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, and anxiety. About 1 out of 160 children in the world today have ASD.
This article looks into the signs of autism in preschoolers and what you need to know if your child exhibits them.
Your Autism Might Be Misdiagnosed as One of These 6 Disorders
Symptoms of Autism in Preschoolers
Preschoolers with autism experience a wide range ofsymptoms. Signs of the condition might be different ingirlsthan in boys, complicating diagnosis. For example, girls with autism typically are quieter and better at"masking" their symptomsthan boys.
Likewise, signs of autism in young children can differ from those in their older counterparts. Some of the most common symptoms of the disorder include:
What to Know About Autism in Boys
Signs of Autism in Younger Children
Autism can be detected in children as young as 2 years old. Some research shows that you might even begin to notice symptoms at as early as 18 months. Some early signs of autism in babies and toddlers include being unable to:
Signs of Autism in Older Children
As children get older, signs of autism become easier to detect. An older child might:
How Autism Is Diagnosed in Children
No specific medical test is used to diagnose autism in children. However, specific diagnostic tools can detect autism in children as young as 2 years.
Making an early diagnosis of ASD can facilitate earlier treatment, which helps children with this condition cope better.
In determining whether a preschooler has autism, a healthcare provider typically looks for signs such as:
What Causes Autism in Preschoolers?
Pinpointing the causes of autism is difficult, but multiple risk factors are thought to contribute to the development of the condition.
Environmental and genetic factors have been identified as the most likely culprits in the development of autism. There has been substantial evidence linking autism to genetic factors, but no specific gene has been identified. The odds are that many different genes could cause the condition.
Research does show that the brains of children with autism look different from those who do not have the condition. In the early years, the brains of children with autism appear to grow faster than those of other children. It’s not clear what causes this accelerated growth, but it affects the way the brain behaves.
Historically, vaccines have been wrongly linked to the development of autism. However, decades of research have thoroughly debunked this notion. No vaccines have been linked to the development of autism.
How Autism Is Treated in Children
No cure for autism has been developed as yet. However, with the proper treatment, its symptoms can be adequately managed. Thetreatment for ASDin preschoolers depends on the severity of their symptoms.
Medication
The FDA hasn’t approved any medications for the treatment of autism. However, a healthcare provider might prescribe one to treat specific symptoms of autism or conditions that might have developed as a result.
Therapy
Treatments for autism in preschoolers depend on their unique individual needs. The following therapies are most commonly used:
Tips for Parents of Preschoolers With Autism
Raising a child with autism can be challenging. Although ASD can be managed with the right treatment, there’s no cure. It’s a lifelong condition requiring consistent management.
Here are some tips to help you and your preschooler manage their condition:
8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.World Health Organisation.Autism spectrum disorders. June 1, 2021Cleveland Clinic.Autism signs can be different in girls. September 3, 2019.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs & Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).March 29, 2021NHS UK.Signs of Autism in Children.April 18, 2019University of Rochester Medical Center.Autism Spectrum Disorder in ChildrenNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Autism spectrum disorder fact sheet.November 15, 2021.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism and Vaccines.August 26, 2021Walsh MB.The top 10 reasons children with autism deserve ABA.Behavior Analysis in Practice. 2011;4(1):72-79.
8 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.World Health Organisation.Autism spectrum disorders. June 1, 2021Cleveland Clinic.Autism signs can be different in girls. September 3, 2019.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs & Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).March 29, 2021NHS UK.Signs of Autism in Children.April 18, 2019University of Rochester Medical Center.Autism Spectrum Disorder in ChildrenNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Autism spectrum disorder fact sheet.November 15, 2021.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism and Vaccines.August 26, 2021Walsh MB.The top 10 reasons children with autism deserve ABA.Behavior Analysis in Practice. 2011;4(1):72-79.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
World Health Organisation.Autism spectrum disorders. June 1, 2021Cleveland Clinic.Autism signs can be different in girls. September 3, 2019.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs & Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).March 29, 2021NHS UK.Signs of Autism in Children.April 18, 2019University of Rochester Medical Center.Autism Spectrum Disorder in ChildrenNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Autism spectrum disorder fact sheet.November 15, 2021.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism and Vaccines.August 26, 2021Walsh MB.The top 10 reasons children with autism deserve ABA.Behavior Analysis in Practice. 2011;4(1):72-79.
World Health Organisation.Autism spectrum disorders. June 1, 2021
Cleveland Clinic.Autism signs can be different in girls. September 3, 2019.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs & Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).March 29, 2021
NHS UK.Signs of Autism in Children.April 18, 2019
University of Rochester Medical Center.Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Autism spectrum disorder fact sheet.November 15, 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism and Vaccines.August 26, 2021
Walsh MB.The top 10 reasons children with autism deserve ABA.Behavior Analysis in Practice. 2011;4(1):72-79.
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