Common Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder – more commonly referred to as autism – is a brain development condition that affects how a person socializes with and perceives other people. It usually manifests as problems in communication and social interaction. As the term ‘spectrum’ suggests, autism presents with a wide range of symptoms and severities. There is no cure for the condition, but early intervention can help improve the lives of the patients. Below, we look at the common signs of San Diego’s autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms

In some cases, signs of autism spectrum disorder appear in early infancy. Other children can develop normally for the first several months or years of their lives then suddenly manifest symptoms at around 2 years. Here are the signs to watch out for:

1. Social Interaction

Children, teenagers, or adults with autism spectrum disorder may experience problems in communicating and interacting with people. Related symptoms include:

• Has a hard time recognizing nonverbal cues like tone of voice and facial expressions.
• Does not respond to their name or appears not to hear you sometimes.
• Does not have facial expressions and fails to make eye contact.
• Prefers playing alone and avoids holding or cuddling.
• Has delayed speech, forgets words they previously knew, or doesn’t speak.
• Cannot start or maintain a conversation.
• Only start talking to make a request.
• Appears not to understand simple directions or questions.
• Repeats words or sentences verbatim but seems not to understand how they are used.
• Is disruptive, aggressive, or passive in social situations.

2. Behavior Patterns

In other cases, someone with autism spectrum disorder can exhibit repetitive behavior patterns, activities, or interests. Such symptoms include:

• Is fascinated by object details but doesn’t understand their purpose.
• Has repetitive habits like spinning or rocking.
•  Has rituals and routines and is disturbed when they change slightly.
• Has off movement patterns and coordination problems.
• Engages in potentially self-harming behaviors like hand-banging and biting.
• Might be indifferent to temperature or pain.
• Fixates on some things with abnormal focus.

Some children with autism spectrum disorder can manifest fewer behavioral disturbances as they mature, while others may worsen as they enter teenagehood.

TMS and Autism

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) refers to an experimental procedure that stimulates brain nerve activity through magnetic impulses. It is applied repeatedly to the brain to change the nerve’s electrical activities, which is seen as brainwaves. Currently, TMS is US Food and Drug Administration approved for mental health conditions like PTSD and depression.

The basis of TMS treatment is the fact that, according to research, people with autism show different brainwave patterns compared to those without it. The therapy helps restore nerve activity and brainwaves to improve autism symptoms and challenges.

Conclusion

According to recent statistics, about 2 percent of children around 8 years old have autism spectrum disorder. While there is no cure for this condition, the MindSet team adopts new and advanced treatment options like transcranial magnetic stimulation (PrTMS®) to help improve your child’s symptoms. The treatment is designed to restore balance in nerve activity and ease some challenges presented by autism. If you wish to learn more, schedule a consultation online or call our San Diego, California office.