Does your little one not look at other people in the eye? Or does he spend hours with the same toy or doing the same thing? These days, when many parents see something like this, the fear that immediately comes to mind is, "Oh, does my child have autism ?" Because, autism, which was almost unheard of twenty or thirty years ago, is talked about everywhere today. That is why it is reasonable to be afraid even if you see a small difference in a child. But, is everything that looks like autism really autism? Let's talk about it today.
First of all, what is autism?
Simply put, autism is not a disease, it is a condition. Medically, we call it autism spectrum disorder, or `Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).` It is a condition related to the development of our brain, or `neurodevelopment`. This can affect a child's communication skills (the way they talk, the way they communicate) and social relationships (the way they work and play with others).
The term "spectrum" is used because the condition is so different from person to person. Think of it like a rainbow. Just like each color has its own color, the nature and intensity of symptoms in children with autism vary greatly. For some children, the symptoms are so subtle that they are not even easily noticeable to outsiders. For others, the symptoms can make it difficult for them to even function in their daily lives.
The most important thing is not to assume that a child has autism just because they have symptoms , as there may be other medical conditions that can cause the same symptoms.
What conditions can be mistaken for autism?
Another problem with misdiagnosing a child with autism is that they may not receive the treatment they need for their condition. For example, if a child is stunted due to a condition like lead poisoning, the same treatment for autism will not work. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these differences.
The symptoms of these conditions can be very similar to those of autism.
| Misunderstanding situation | Autism-like symptoms | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Speech, hearing, or other developmental delays | Not speaking appropriately for their age, lack of social skills, difficulty understanding what others are saying. | There are many reasons why a child may have delayed development. This can be due to conditions such as hearing loss, lead poisoning, and Down syndrome. |
| Showing limited or intense interest | Being intensely obsessed with one thing (e.g., maps, watching a fan spin). | Although this is common among autistic children, this characteristic alone does not make it autism. In order to be autistic, there must be other characteristics, such as problems with social relationships, in addition. |
| Fast reading or high intelligence (Hyperlexia) | Ability to read at a very young age, but difficulty communicating ideas. | Not all children with `Hyperlexia` have autism. The two conditions can coexist or not. Therefore, it is not possible to determine based on this symptom alone. |
| Sensory Processing Issues | Aversion to bright lights, loud noises, or being touched. Being agitated or not speaking at this time. | This is also a common feature among autistic children. However, sensory issues can also be a separate condition. In the case of autism, other features (e.g., speech delay) may also be present. |
| Various psychological disorders | Intense repetition of the same thing, social withdrawal, communication problems. | Although these may look like autism, they can be caused by other mental health conditions. Examples include: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Avoidant Personality Disorder, Social (pragmatic) Communication Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, and, very rarely, Schizophrenia in children. |
| Genetic Disorders | Delayed speech development, learning disabilities. | Some genetic diseases (e.g. Tuberous Sclerosis) occur together with autism. However, conditions such as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome are more likely to be misdiagnosed as autism because the symptoms are so similar. |
Don't forget to ask your doctor about these things.
If you have any concerns about your child, the best thing to do is to see a pediatrician . The doctor will examine the child's development, behavior, and complete health history.
Then, if autism is suspected, the doctor will refer you to a team of specialists. This team may include neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and speech therapists. They will use various tests and observations to determine whether the child has autism or another condition.
When you see your doctor, don't hesitate to ask these questions:
- "Doctor, have you checked my child's hearing?" Sometimes hearing problems can cause speech delays. It can be easily mistaken for autism.
- "Are there any other tests we should do?" For example, if you live in an older home and the paint is peeling, you might want to ask to have your child's blood lead levels tested.
- "Can I see a specialist about this?" If your doctor says your child has autism, but you haven't yet seen a specialist, such as a neurologist or psychiatrist, ask for a referral. It's important to get more information.
- "I'm not sure what the condition is, but can we start treatment?" Most of the time the answer is "yes." If your child has a developmental delay, you can start treatment such as speech therapy, occupational therapy , or social skills training without waiting to determine whether it's autism or not. These can definitely benefit your child.
Take-Home Message
- Autism is not a condition with a single set of symptoms. It is a spectrum that can vary greatly from person to person.
- There are a number of other health and mental conditions that show symptoms similar to autism.
- Never decide for yourself that your child has autism based on what you read on the internet or hear from others. An accurate diagnosis is essential.
- If you have any concerns about your child's behavior, seek the advice of a qualified doctor without delay. If necessary, do not hesitate to seek the help of a specialist team.
- An accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment can provide your child with the support they need to lead a successful life.
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