The following information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as appropriate, with a qualified healthcare professional.
See your doctor if you notice any of the signs and symptoms of ASD in your child, or if you're concerned about your child's development. It can also be helpful to discuss your concerns with your child's nursery or school.
Autism, or Autistic Spectrum Disorder, refers to a range of developmental conditions that affect how an individual perceives the world and interacts with others.
Autism is referred to as a ‘spectrum condition’ because it encompasses a range of interlinked symptoms and traits.
Preschool children living with Autism can be affected differently and symptoms of the condition can range from mild to severe.
Children diagnosed with Autism are affected differently and therefore any support given to a child on the spectrum will vary and should be tailored to their individual needs.
Our Kids Konnect preschools in San Mateo, Oakland and Pacifica have a variety of resources and approaches available to teaching children with Autism.
In children with ASD, the symptoms of the condition are usually present before age three. But what are some of the most common signs and symptoms?
Common symptoms a child may display include problems with social interaction, difficulties with communication and repetitive behaviors.
Listed below are five important identifiers of Autism that can be found early in preschoolers:
- In early infancy, some kids with Autism don’t babble or make vocal noises. Older children may struggle using non-verbal behaviors such as maintaining eye contact and reading body language.
- Children with ASD may lack awareness of or interest in other children. They tend to play alone or prefer the company of much older or younger kids in comparison to those their own age.
- Language development may be delayed in children with Autism. This means they can find it difficult to start a conversation or to answer questions properly. Gestures, facial expressions and body language may also be absent.
- Cognitive, learning, emotional and behavioral problems are often experienced by kids with ASD. This means that they may live with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression or anxiety.
- Routines are very important to children with Autism. Any unexpected changes to a kid’s day may trigger tantrums. A preschooler with ASD may also engage in repetitive activities such as organizing toys.
Did You Know?
Autism Speaks is an organization that provides excellent information and resources and sponsors Autism research in the United States.
The Autism Speaks Walk is a fundraising event designed to raise awareness of the condition for parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, relatives and support providers for people with autism.
To find out more about the Bay Area Autism Speaks Walk click here.
