Is It Autism? Key Aspects to Look for Throughout the Years

Recognizing the signs and behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial for understanding, support, and intervention. Autism affects each person differently, and diagnosis can drastically increase success in academic, home, social, and emotional areas of a person’s life. While every child is unique, there are certain behaviors commonly seen in children with autism during various developmental periods. This guide is for adults reflecting on their childhood, parents or caregivers with a child of suspected autism, and educators who may suspect autism in a child in the academic setting.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning that it is present throughout a person’s lifetime. Some children, as they get older, especially high-functioning children and girls, can mask autism features in attempts to blend in, however subsequently developing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Therefore, there are some key features to look for throughout the developmental period to catch before masking comes into play.

Infancy and Toddlerhood:

During infancy and early toddlerhood, some pink and red-flag behaviors that might indicate possible autism include:

• Difficulty or lack of eye contact
• Limited social responsiveness
• Dislike of physical contact
• Sensitivity to sensory stimuli (dislike or like of certain sounds, textures, smells, etc.)
• Delays or regressions in language and communication milestones
• Obsessive interests in certain objects, subjects, or activities
• Difficulties adjusting to changes in routines or transitions

Preschool Age:

Preschool age is a critical stage for evaluating social and emotional development, as it is when they begin to develop their interactions, language, and social skills with like-aged peers. Behaviors to look for include:

• Poor social interactions and limited peer relationships (that can usually be based on interest or activity)
• Difficulty with imaginative play
• Strong focus on routine activities
• Speech delays or persistent reliance on echolalia (echoing phrases or words)
• Highly specific interests or intense preoccupations
• Continued sensory sensitivities or avoidance of certain textures, sounds, or tastes

School-Aged Children:

As children enter school, their challenges and behaviors may become more noticeable due to more stimuli, less structure, and more social interaction requirements. These behaviors to look for include:

• Differences in social reciprocity, such as difficulty making friends or engaging in typical back-and-forth conversations
• Rigid adherence to routines and resistance to change (changing school subject to subject)
• Challenges in understanding nonverbal social cues or figuring out personal space boundaries
• Repetitive behaviors, including hand-flapping, rocking, tapping, or specific rituals that provide a sense of comfort or relief
• Frustration or emotional deregulation when faced with unexpected demands or sensory overload (also to watch for; they can internalize their frustration until they get home and have meltdowns when back home)
• Around 8-9 years old, girls will begin to grow out of “play” for friendship-building and start engaging in more verbal and talking interactions—this can lead to some anxiety and refusal to attend school or social activities (i.e., refusing recess, outbursts about going to school)

Teenagers and Adolescents:

During adolescence, some behaviors might continue or evolve, while others may emerge. They can also begin developing more masking features in attempts to hide their social or sensory difficulties. Keep an eye on the following indicators:

• Social isolation or difficulties establishing and maintaining relationships
• Struggles with executive functioning skills, including organization, time management, and planning
• Possible dependence on one or two friends to be connected in the social groups in attempts to fit in
• Intense interest in niche subjects or hobbies and difficulty or unable to engage or build relationships outside of those interests
• Sensory sensitivities that can impact participation in daily activities or school settings—lead to withdrawal or refusal to go to school
• Challenges with transitioning to work or college environments due to increased dependence on established routines

Transition to Adulthood:

• Difficulties finding and maintaining a job due to nonverbal and social nuances of navigating job applications and interactions with colleagues or bosses
• Limited understanding of unwritten social rules and workplace dynamics can lead to misunderstandings and social exclusion
• Challenges with time management and organization, impacting tasks and meeting deadlines
• Sensory sensitivities that make certain work environments overwhelming or uncomfortable
• Difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication, causing potential misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
• Limited flexibility in adapting to changes in work routines or unexpected situations.
• Difficulties maintaining relationships or friendships that are not built on passion or interests
• Sensory sensitivities that may make crowded or noisy social settings overwhelming
• Limited interest in or awareness of social norms or trends, making it difficult to connect with peers
• Inflexibility or resistance to changes in routine, impacting social plans or participation in group activities
• Conflicts in relationships due to communication difficulties of nonverbal and social normed nuances

Conclusion

Understanding the behaviors associated with autism throughout different developmental periods and transitioning to adulthood is crucial in identifying early signs and providing appropriate support. Remember, it is essential not to jump to conclusions based solely on isolated behaviors, as each child is unique. Notice several behaviors and difficulties that concern you that are fairly consistent through developmental periods. It may be time to consider an assessment for autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Because autism is a lifelong disorder, a screening or comprehensive evaluation for autism can greatly impact a person’s self-esteem, mental health, and success throughout their lifetime. Without adequate and tailored support, the difficulties can impact multiple areas of functioning.