The symptoms of autism affect a child’s behavior and communication skills. Symptoms usually appear around the age of two and are one of the big reasons well-child visits to the doctor are so important. It often takes a medical professional to spot the first signs of autism spectrum disorder in your child, but as a parent, you may have an inkling — that parent’s intuition — that something is different. If you suspect your child may have autism, it may be time to reach out to your child’s pediatrician. For more information on autism spectrum disorder treatment programs, contact Camp Worth today by calling 855.915.2545.
What Are the Symptoms of Autism?
In very young children, the symptoms of autism can mimic other conditions such as hearing loss or attention-deficit disorder. For instance, young children who are on the spectrum may:
- Suddenly stop gaining new skills
- Begin losing skills they’ve previously learned
- Not respond when their name is called
- Repeat the same word or words consistently
- Suffer delayed speech
- Fail to make or maintain eye contact
In America, it’s typical for autism to be diagnosed in the early years. It is possible, however, for a child to go undiagnosed and miss out on autism spectrum treatment therapy programs, especially if their form of autism is very mild.
Symptoms of Autism in Teenagers
If your child had regular well-child visits during their early years and was never diagnosed with autism, they will not develop this condition later in life. Autism spectrum disorder tends to occur early in childhood. This being said, mild forms of this disorder could go undiscovered. Symptoms of autism in teenagers include:
- Poor grades
- Inability to make friends
- Frequent bouts of anger or frustration
- Under-developed social skills
- Wanting only to talk about a single subject or limited subjects
- Physical awkwardness or under-developed motor skills
If your child has been struggling for years in school and in social situations, it’s possible they could function highly on the autism spectrum. If this sounds like your teen, it’s important to see our autism treatment staff for a proper diagnosis.
Late Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Generally, it takes a panel of specialists to recognize the symptoms of autism beyond the early years. This may include your family pediatrician, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a behavioral counselor, and more. It may also involve interviews with your child’s teachers and school counselors. If you and your child receive an ASD diagnosis, your diagnostic team will provide a comprehensive list of community resources such as occupational therapy to assist you.
Learning that your teen falls somewhere on the autism spectrum may be disconcerting at first. But if you view it as an opportunity to explore treatment options that will help improve the way they function and succeed in life, it may actually come as a relief. Finally, there’s an explanation, and help is available. Learning that your teen has ASD will not affect the way you feel about them or how much you love them. It may affect the way they feel about themselves, however. Therefore, it’s important to reach out for professional help as soon as possible.
Treatment for Autism in Teens
Discover Camp Worth, in Texas, is an excellent resource for teens who live with autism and the families who love them. We can help support the individual educational needs of your teen because we understand that learning is different for children on the spectrum. We can also help ease the frustration and anger your teen is experiencing because their cognitive skills exceed their ability to communicate. Through effective coping skills and behavioral counseling, we can help your child unlock their true potential. Call us today at 855.915.2545 for more information.
