Autism is a condition that affects the development of a child. It is a developmental disorder that appears in early childhood. An Autistic child might show features like social withdrawal, issues with verbal and non-verbal communication, repetitive behaviour pattern, and so on. However, the range and severity of symptoms of Autism might differ.

The signs of an Autistic child can also vary as per their age. Thus, Autism in younger children might be different from that of older children. Moreover, the signs of autism in boys might also be different from that of girls. 

Signs of Autism in Young Children

• An autistic child may not respond to his/her name
• The child may avoid eye contact
• He/she may not return a smile to others
• He/she may get upset easily, e.g. if the child doesn’t like a certain smell, taste, etc.
• The child may not talk like other kids
• The child may repeat the same phrases or same movements again and again

Signs of Autism in older Children

• May find it difficult to convey feelings
• May not seem to understand other’s feelings, or what others are thinking
• May get upset if the child’s routine gets disturbed
• May be keenly interested in a particular activity
• May get upset if they are asked to do a thing
• May find it difficult to make friends
• May like to be on their own
• May take things literally

Signs of Autism might be different in girls and boys. An autistic girl can be quieter. She may not share her feelings easily. And so, sometimes it becomes difficult to trace autism in some girls.  

Though, in general, most autistic children can live fairly normal lives. However, in the case of severely autistic children, kids may not be able to speak or make eye contact.

So, when do you think is the time to seek help from the counsellor?

When parents think that their kid’s condition is not improving with their sole efforts, it is time to visit a counsellor. Many times, parents become extremely overwhelmed and baffled when they discover the autistic condition of their child. They may not be in such a situation to help the child much. So, here also getting guidance and counselling from an expert, therapist or child counsellor is a better idea.

Since a counsellor is knowledgeable about the needs of autistic children, their professional guidance can help parents to help their kids with their needs, while helping them to get less anxious.

Generally, a certain number of hours a week is something is required for your child with the counsellor. Counselling to work well may require the involvement of parents and family members. It might require face-to-face contact with the counsellor to help autistic children better.