Mild autism: first signs and symptoms

Mild autism is not a correct diagnosis used in medicine, however, it is a very popular expression, even among health professionals, to refer to a person with alterations in the autism spectrum, but who can do almost all daily activities such as having a normal conversation, reading, writing and other basic care independently, such as eating or dressing, for example.

Since the symptoms of this autism subtype are quite mild, they are often only identified around 2 or 3 years of age, when the child begins to have greater interaction with other people and to perform more complex tasks, which can be observed by family, friends or teachers.

What are the signs and symptoms

The characteristic symptoms of mild autism can cover one of these 3 areas:

1. Communication problems

One of the signs that may indicate that the child has autism is having problems communicating with other people, such as not being able to speak correctly, misusing words or not being able to express themselves using words.

2. Difficulties in socializing

Another very characteristic sign of autism is the existence of difficulties in socializing with other people, such as difficulty making friends, starting or maintaining a conversation, or even looking other people in the eye.

3. Changes in behavior

Children with autism often have deviations from the behavior that would be expected of a normal child, such as having a repetitive pattern of movements and fixation by objects.

In summary, some of the characteristics of autism that can help in its diagnosis are:

• Affected interpersonal relationship;
• Inappropriate laughter;
• Do not look in the eyes;
• Emotional coldness;
• Few demonstrations of pain;
• Always enjoy playing with the same toy or object;
• Difficulty in focusing on a simple task and accomplishing it;
• Preference for being alone than playing with other children;
• Apparently not to be afraid of dangerous situations;
• Repeating words or phrases in inappropriate places;
• Do not answer when called by name as if you are deaf;
• Hits of anger;
• Difficulty expressing your feelings with speech or gestures.

Mild autists are generally very intelligent and extremely sensitive to unexpected changes. O

If you know of a child who may have signs of autism, get tested for the risk:

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Is it Autism?

Start the test

Does the child like to play, jump on his lap and show that he likes being around adults and other children?

• Yea
• No

Does the child seem to have any fixation for some part of the toy, like only the wheel of the stroller and is staring?

• Yea
• No

Does the child like to play hide and seek but laughs while playing and looking for the other person?

• Yea
• No

Does the child use imagination in play? For example: Pretending to be cooking and eating imaginary food?

• Yea
• No

Does the child take the adult's hand directly to the object he wants instead of taking it with his own hands?

• Yea
• No

Does the child not seem to play with the toys correctly and just stacks, placing them on top of each other, does he / she sway?

• Yea
• No

Does the child like to show you the objects, bringing them to you?

• Yea
• No

Does the child look you in the eye when you talk to him or her?

• Yea
• No

Does the child know how to identify people or objects? For example. If someone asks where Mom is, can she point it at her?

• Yea
• No

Does the child repeat the same movement over and over again, like swinging back and forth and waving his arms?

• Yea
• No

Does the child like affection or affection that can be shown by kisses and hugs?

• Yea
• No

Does the child lack motor coordination, walk only on tiptoes, or is easily unbalanced?

• Yea
• No

Is the child very agitated when he hears music or is he in an unfamiliar environment, like a diner full of people, for example?

• Yea
• No

Does the child like to be hurt by scratches or bites by doing this on purpose?

• Yea
• No

This test should not be used as a diagnosis, so it is recommended that in any case of suspicion consult a pediatrician or a neuropediatrician, in order to be properly evaluated.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The only way to confirm the diagnosis of autism is to consult a pediatrician or a neuropediatrician, so that you can assess the child's behavior, as well as the reports of parents and acquaintances.

However, and due to the fear of a wrong diagnosis in a child, the diagnosis can take several months and even years to be confirmed after the parents or caregivers identify the first signs. For this reason, several experts indicate that, if there is suspicion, interventions should be initiated with a psychologist to help the child overcome his developmental obstacles, even if there is still no diagnosis.

Does mild autism have a cure?

Mild autism has no cure, however, with the stimulation and treatment of speech therapy, nutrition, occupational therapy, psychology and adequate and specialized education, it is possible to achieve that the autistic person reaches a development closer to normal. Learn more about treatment for autism.

However, there are case reports of patients who were diagnosed with autism before the age of 5, who appear to have achieved a cure through treatment with a multidisciplinary team, but further studies are needed to prove how the treatment can cure autism.

How to deal with mild autism

The treatment for mild autism can be done through speech therapy and psychotherapy, for example, which will help the child to develop and to interact better with others, making their life easier.

In addition, food is also very important for the treatment of autism, so the child must be accompanied by a nutritionist. Check out which foods can improve autism.

Most autistic people need help to perform some tasks, but over time, they are able to acquire independence to perform most activities of daily living, however, this autonomy will depend on their degree of commitment and interest.

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