For young children on the spectrum, being separated from parents or loved ones they're used to seeing all the time can cause severe anxiety. Separation anxiety can occur when leaving your child to run an errand, to go to work, or even just by dropping them off at school.
Children with autism express anxiety or nervousness in many of the same ways as typically developing children do. We often see separation anxiety, for example, when children must part with trusted parents or caregivers to go to school or camp.
Children on the autism spectrum often keep crying as long as it seems to work for them. When it doesn't, they eventually quit. If they are upset about something, we want them to learn to handle their feelings in more powerful ways.
Dissanayake's research findings show that autistic children do exhibit a secure attachment towards their caregiver, from which we can infer that “nurturing the secure attachment relationship may represent a protective factor for these children.”
Children with separation anxiety disorder may be unable to stay or go in a room by themselves and may display "clinging " behaviour, staying close to or "shadowing" the parents around the house, or requiring someone to be with them when going to another room in the house (Criterion A5).
Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment
This trait can occur in autism because autistics tend to make friends and lose them repeatedly. However, unlike in BPD, the issue of abandonment may be a reality for autistics because while we may be able to make friends, maintaining them is difficult.
Some kids on the spectrum feel a constant need for affection because they are not sure when or if the attention will be available.
Children with ASD often need a hug, just like other children. Sometimes they need this much more than other children. But some children don't like to be touched. Respect their personal space.
Fewer autistic people form secure attachments than do their typical peers: Studies have shown that 47 to 53 percent of children with autism are securely attached, compared with about 65 percent of typical individuals3.
Children with autism are often associated with aggressive behavior such as physical aggression and verbal aggression including yelling, screaming, tantrums, and outbursts. These challenging behaviors can be stressful for families to deal with every day at home or at school.
Every autistic person is different, but sensory differences, changes in routine, anxiety, and communication difficulties are common triggers.
Kids without fully conversational communication often cry because they don't have the ability to tell you exactly what the problem is. They might even be talking at that point, but they can't tell you what the problem is with their words. Crying is how they get your attention.
At both ages, those in the autism and disability groups are more likely than the controls to transition quickly from whimpering to intense crying. This suggests that the children have trouble managing their emotions, the researchers say.
In fact, it's been proven that alone time is beneficial for kids with autism, something they'll crave and need even as they grow into adulthood.
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.
For some children, sensory toys such as squeeze balls and fidget toys, weighted blankets, their favorite videos, or activities can help them manage their emotions. You can set up a calming routine that the child practices on a regular basis, and make it part of their daily schedule.
A child with ASD can be challenging—they may be restless; have trouble sleeping, eating or speaking; experience seizures; or have meltdowns born of frustration or overstimulation. Expectations for a “normal” life may need to be adjusted.
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.
In fact, parents of autistic children report that they experience more depression, anxiety, and stress-related health problems than other parents. Parental stress has also been associated with marital distress, less effective parenting, and dropping out of treatment.
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder are often restricted, rigid, and even obsessive in their behaviors, activities, and interests. Symptoms may include: Repetitive body movements (hand flapping, rocking, spinning); moving constantly. Obsessive attachment to unusual objects (rubber bands, keys, light switches).
While many children with autism feel averse to hugging, some children with autism like to be hugged. Some children can swing the opposite way and want so many hugs that they feel hug deprived when they aren't getting enough.
In all, the findings from research suggest that children with autism are capable of forming secure attachments with their caregivers. However, it also suggests that autistic children may be more prone to developing an insecure attachment than typically developing children.
Autistic children love their parents
You may have to learn to see how your child expresses affection and not take it personally if your child doesn't show affection in the way that typical children do.
Individuals with autism can also have an aversion to touch. Touch can cause a lack of emotional response or may even cause emotional stress and turmoil.
However, for children and adults with autism, who also often experience mental health challenges, attention-seeking behaviors have the potential to put them at risk. Learning how to recognize these behaviors, and when to intervene, will help children with autism cope and properly respond to negative emotions.