very young children might not show much interest in playing with peers but may play alongside other children. In young children it is especially important to consider the normal development of social interaction and understanding e.g. Social interaction & Emotional Expressionĭifficulties in social interaction and understanding are a key feature of ASD. Loss of language or development that has slowed/stopped in relation to language skills (most commonly in the second year of life).Spontaneous communication that is stereotyped or unusual.Language that consists mainly of immediate or delayed repetitions of what is heard.Showing little interest in the speech of others.Language delay or abnormal language use.Listed are some key alerts in relation to communication. There are some key developmental delays to be aware of in the initial stages of becoming concerned. Routine developmental checks may be helpful in eliciting any concerns relating to possible ASD.Īlthough ASD is best characterised by difficulties in social interaction, parents/carers more commonly express concerns with speech delay and difficult behaviours in young children. This might relate to the parent or carer’s expectations of what is “typical” for a child at a particular age and stage. Practitioners should also be aware that they might recognise concerns that parents or carers have not yet identified. The NICE guidelines advise that the possibility of autism should be considered if there are concerns about development or behaviour but practitioners should keep in mind that there may be other explanations for individual signs and symptoms. It is not helpful, and potentially harmful, to tell parents not to worry or to wait and see. Research reports also indicate that it causes great stress to parents when they feel that professionals are not listening to accounts and concerns. Many studies document that parental concerns about developmental delays in their children are typically well founded. It is crucial to pay close attention to parents/carers’ concerns about language, social skills and unusual behaviours. Parents or carers might report concern and worry in relation to a number of developmental issues that might suggest ASD is a possibility. Possible signs and symptoms for children and young people are also contained in the NICE guidelines. It is aimed at practitioners who are likely to come across individuals with ASD in their day to day practice but who are not usually involved in making a diagnosis. This section describes some of the key signs of ASD at different ages and stages.
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