Autism is well-known. It is a developmental disorder which other people often recognize because of 'odd' behavior. Children and youths with autism sometimes get odd stares, because other people do not really understand why they act in certain ways. These children and youths respond differently to things than people are used to, or do not follow rules at times where other children would not dare to. If you think that your child might have autism, you can read more here about the symptoms of autism and what possible treatment types might be.
Autism symptoms: symptoms of autism
A main characteristic of autism is a low IQ. We cannot consider something to be autism if the IQ of the child is normal. A low IQ is an IQ of below 80. This means that they child or youth often finds it more difficult to learn things than other children do. A second symptoms which characterizes autism is difficulties with communication. Children and youths with autism often find it difficult to talk to new people or to maintain friendships. Certain responses which these children have can be considered not to fit into context, according to others. These children and youths often find it difficult to understand implicit rules, because many rules are not explicitly stated in communication. Many of these rules are often just assumed, and children learn through development what it is that is socially acceptable, and what is not. This is something which children with autism find difficult. furthermore, children and youths with autism find it difficult to be flexible. Once they know of certain rules, it is difficult for them to understand why people would deviate from these. The rule is to eat at 12 o'clock, so why do we eat at a quarter past 12?
Autism symptoms: treatment of autism
In a treatment of autism symptoms, it is useful to also consider other psychological mechanisms. Stress, for example, can worsen the autism symptoms. By treating this stress, it can be so that the autism symptoms reduce and that they child or youth has fewer difficulties when it comes to communication or flexibility. The online self-help program by 15 Minutes 4 Me helps children and youths with autism to reduce this stress and to deal with it. From 13 years and older you can follow the program, yet sometimes your parents might have to explain a few words here and there at young ages.
Autism symptoms: take the stress test!
To know to what extent stress might influence your symptoms, you can take the free stress test by 15 Minutes 4 Me!
