Many autistic children and teenagers wander or run off, even when adults are supervising them.
Kids with autism may wander because they have a weaker sense of danger than other kids. Or they may get fixated on exploring something interesting. Others may be trying to leave situations that make them anxious. They might also want to escape overwhelming sensory experiences, like loud noises or bright lights.
It's common for children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to run or wander away from caregivers or secure locations.
As much as autistic children have a different way of learning, they can also have a different way of moving. When walking or running, the child's coordination can be immature with a gait that lacks fluency and efficiency.
Autistic children are also more likely to walk stiffly with their hands held still at their sides or run with an awkward gait. They may be clumsy and have a tough time throwing, catching, writing, or drawing. Autistic kids behave differently from their typical peers.
In fact, research has shown that autism symptoms tend to peak around the ages of 2-3 years old. During this time, children with autism may struggle with language development, social interaction, and behavior. They may have difficulty communicating their needs and understanding the needs of others.
Signs of High-Functioning Autism in Children
May appear more mature for their age and have above-average intelligence. A tendency to avoid eye contact. Trouble deviating from a routine or adapting to changes. Trouble making friends and maintaining social relationships or not “fitting in” with peers.
The outdoors is a wonderful place for kids and adults of all ages, including those with autism. Reap the benefits of fresh air, sunshine, and nature—and take some terrific photos so you can look back on your adventures together!
Anxiety disorders with extreme shyness and social withdrawal can be mistaken for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Social anxiety disorder can cause children to be "shut down" with regard to social interactions.
Stimming seems to help autistic children and teenagers manage emotions like anxiety, anger, fear and excitement. For example, stimming might help them to calm down because it focuses their attention on the stim or produces a calming change in their bodies.
Some autistic children may behave in ways that put a lot of strain on you and your family. Some common autistic behaviours are: stimming (short for 'self-stimulating behaviour'), a kind of repetitive behaviour. meltdowns, a complete loss of control over behaviour.
Sometimes, environmental factors can cause sensitivity to a child diagnosed with autism, such as light and sounds that can be very distracting and uncomfortable. These can cause the child to become temporarily hyperactive or disruptive.
The best strategy is to avoid situations that permit the child to runoff, however, if this is not possible, we must minimize the amount of attention the child receives. If we give a child attention for undesirable behaviors, like running off, we are encouraging and rewarding the behavior.
Children run everywhere because they are still learning and refining their gross motor skills. Subconsciously, they are strengthening their bones and improving their coordination. It is due to the need to keep up with adults, especially in the past in dangerous situations.
Although the exact cause of autism is still unknown, there is evidence to suggest that genetics play a significant role. Since autism is less prevalent in females, autism was always thought to be passed down from the mother. However, research suggests that autism genes are usually inherited from the father.
Some developmental health professionals refer to PDD-NOS as “subthreshold autism." In other words, it's the diagnosis they use for someone who has some but not all characteristics of autism or who has relatively mild symptoms.
It is a spectrum disorder, meaning there is a broad variation in the types and severity of symptoms. No two people with ASD have the same symptoms. Borderline autism is not an official term or diagnosis. Instead, it is an informal term referring to less severe ASD symptoms.
However, they look up to the mother or caregiver for social referencing and hover around or cling to the caregiver. Children with an ASD are not vigilant and do not look up to the caregiver for social referencing. They may not cling to the caregiver, although go up to them for succor.
Research says that autistic children spend more time on screen than children who do not have autism. About 64.2 percent of young adults with ASD spend their free time on TV, and video games and 13.2 percent of young adults with ASD spend time on social media sites, emails, and chatting.
Many autistic people enjoy spending time alone and consider it important for their wellbeing.
In conclusion, there are many factors that can make autism worse. Sensory overload, changes in routine, social isolation, co-occurring conditions, and lack of support can all exacerbate the symptoms of autism.
Level 1 is the mildest, or “highest functioning” form of autism, which includes those who would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Individuals with ASD level 1 may have difficulty understanding social cues and may struggle to form and maintain personal relationships.
Children with level 1 autism may find it difficult to engage in conversations. They also may form social bonds, but establishing and retaining friends may not come easily to them. Those diagnosed at this level may prefer established routines and find changes or unexpected events unsettling.
ASD Level 1 – Level 1 ASD is currently the lowest classification. Those on this level will require some support to help with issues like inhibited social interaction and lack of organization and planning skills.