It’s estimated that 1 in 44 children in the US is born with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others and the world around them. They may also have repetitive behaviors or restricted interests.
ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means that there is a wide range of symptoms and severity. Some people with ASD are highly functioning, while others need significant support. There is no single cause of ASD, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is generally diagnosed in early childhood, although some people may not be diagnosed until later in life
Currently, there is no cure for ASD, but there are treatments that can improve symptoms and help people with ASD lead fulfilling lives. If you think you or your child may have ASD, talk to your doctor about getting a diagnosis.
Common Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder
The signs and symptoms of ASD can vary greatly from person to person, which is why it’s often referred to as a “spectrum” disorder. Some common signs of ASD include:
Delayed language skills – Many individuals with ASD have difficulty developing spoken language skills. Some may never develop speech, while others may develop limited speech or delayed speech.
Repetitive behaviors or interests – Repetitive behaviors or interests are another common sign of ASD. These behaviors can include repetitive body movements, such as hand flapping or rocking, repetitive use of words or phrases, and intense interest in certain subjects or objects.
Difficulty with social interaction – Difficulty with social interaction is another hallmark symptom of ASD. Individuals with ASD often have trouble understanding and responding to social cues.
Avoiding eye contact – People with ASD may avoid eye contact because they find it difficult to understand and interpret nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language.
Unusual eating and sleeping habits – People with ASD may have trouble sleeping or have irregular eating habits. For example, they may only eat certain foods or miss meals altogether.
Lack of fear or excessive fear – People with ASD may not show fear in situations where most people would feel afraid. Or, they may show more fear than expected in situations that are not usually considered threatening.
Unusual emotional reactions – People with ASD often seem to be in a world of their own and may have trouble understanding the emotions of others. They may also seem flat or emotionless at times.
Epilepsy or seizure disorder – People with autism are more likely to have epilepsy, which is a condition that causes recurrent seizures. Seizures can vary in severity from brief periods of staring or unresponsiveness to convulsions and loss of consciousness.
If you suspect you or someone you know may have these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor or family therapist. They can refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and diagnosis. Early intervention is key in helping children with ASD reach their full potential.
Who Is This Autism Quiz For?
If you think you or someone you know may have ASD, this quiz can help give you a better idea. The questions on the quiz are based on the common symptoms and habits of people with ASD.
The results of the quiz are not a diagnosis. But they can help you decide if it’s worth it to talk to a doctor about getting a diagnosis. If you get a high score on the quiz, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.
How Accurate Is This Quiz?
This quiz is NOT a tool to identify mental health disorders. Only a licensed mental health care professional or specialist can diagnose mental health disorders.
MySelfCareNotes believes that self-assessments can be an initial step toward getting treatment. Too many people tend to avoid seeking professional assistance out of fear that their objections are not serious or legit enough.
