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.
Some studies have suggested that individuals with autism may have certain physical characteristics that are more common than in the general population. These include a broader face, wider set eyes, and a flatter mid-face region.
Children with autism often have difficulty interacting with others, focusing on tasks that come naturally to developing children or even feeling at ease in their bodies. But while running, they often find an escape from their stresses and challenges.
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.
It's common for children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to run or wander away from caregivers or secure locations.
Perhaps as a result, they also have trouble with many everyday tasks, from fine-motor tasks such as buttoning a shirt to gross-motor skills such as running, jumping or catching a ball. The research available so far suggests that these difficulties begin early in life.
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.
Some of the frequent facial features of autism are a broader upper face, shorter middle face, wider eyes, bigger mouth, and the philtrum [19]. The use of facial features as a physical marker to detect autism is one of the most exciting topics in autism research.
Many children with autism love to jump and bounce. It's a particularly enjoyable repetitive behavior that can provide both soothing and stimulating sensory input.
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.
Roughly two-thirds of children with ADHD have at least one comorbid condition, and autism is among those that commonly occur with ADHD. Some studies suggest that nearly half of autistic children also have ADHD.
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!
Autistic children and teenagers experience a range of emotions, but they might need support to recognise, understand and manage their emotions. For example, your autistic child might feel all negative or unpleasant emotions as anger. Or they might not recognise when they're excited.
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit differences in pain responsivity. This altered responsivity could be related to ASD-related social communication difficulties, sensory differences, or altered processing of pain stimuli.
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.
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.
Long-term research that involved following a group of individuals with autism for two decades indicates that the average life expectancy for some autistic people is about 39 years. Furthermore, this population generally succumbed to health complications about 20 years earlier than individuals who do not have autism.
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.
Autism is not an illness
It means your brain works in a different way from other people. It's something you're born with. Signs of autism might be noticed when you're very young, or not until you're older. If you're autistic, you're autistic your whole life.
If a child has no diagnosis or apparent difficulties, the “funny” or abnormal running pattern in children is usually a result of muscle imbalance which results in poor coordination. It is important not to brush off these red flags and they should always be addressed.
Sensory Issues
Many people with autism experience sensory processing disorder. This is more commonly known as sensory overload. Noise, crowds, bright lights, strong tastes, smells, and being touched can feel unbearable to someone with HFA. This makes going to restaurants, movies, and shopping malls difficult.