WHY YOUR KID REPEATS EVERYTHING,LIKE AN ECHO INSTEAD OF RESPONDING ACCORDING TO THE QUESTIONS ASKED

We often call kids as ,“Monkeys” as they copy everything we do or say. It is quiet evident from their words and actions after us.But what if it , doesn’t go away and they keep repeating everything you say ,instead of replying an answer to a question,You ask them ,”How are You?” and they respond,”How are You?” in return everytime being at the age of 5,6,7 or more.Then there is a difficulty and it’s a symptom of neurodevelopmental condition and other symptoms may join too ,we recognise this ,here in neuropsychology as “Autism Spectrum Disorder”.

ASD describes a group of neurodevelopmental conditions that become evident during early childhood. Certain genetic and environmental factors can contribute to its development.

What is autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or autism, is a broad term used to describe a group of neurodevelopmental conditions.

These conditions are characterized by differences in communication and social interaction. People with ASD often demonstrate restricted and repetitive interests or patterns of behavior.

ASD is found in people around the world, regardless of race and ethnicity, culture, or economic background.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ASD is diagnosed more often in boys than in girls. A study of 8-year-olds in 11 locations throughout the United States found a 4.3-to-1, boy-to-girl ratio in 2016. About 1 in 54 of the study participants had ASD.

There are indications that instances of autism are on the rise. Some attribute this increase to environmental factors. However, experts debate whether there’s an actual increase in cases or just more frequent diagnoses. Compare autism rates in different U.S. states

What are the symptoms of autism?

Symptoms of ASD typically become clearly evident during early childhood, between ages 12 and 24 months. However, symptoms may also appear earlier or later.

Early symptoms may include a marked delay in language or social development.

The DSM-5 divides symptoms of ASD into two categories:

• problems with communication and social interaction
• restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior or activities

To be diagnosed with autism, a person must experience symptoms in both of these categories.

Problems with communication and social interaction

ASD can involve a range of issues with communication, many of which appear before age 5.

Here’s a general timeline of what this might look like:

• From birth: trouble maintaining eye contact
• By 9 months: not responding to their name
• By 9 months: not displaying facial expressions reflective of their emotions (like surprise or anger)
• By 12 months: not engaging in basic interactive games, like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake
• By 12 months: not using (or only using a few) hand gestures, like hand-waving
• By 15 months: not sharing their interests with others (by showing someone a favorite toy, for example)
• By 18 months: not pointing or looking where others point
• By 24 months: not noticing when others appear sad or hurt
• By 30 months: not engaging in “pretend play,” like caring for a baby doll or playing with figurines
• By 60 months of age: not playing turn-taking games, like duck-duck goose

Additionally, autistic children might have trouble expressing their feelings or understanding those of others starting at 36 months.

As they age, they might have difficulty talking or very limited speaking skills. Other autistic children might develop language skills at an uneven pace. If there’s a particular topic that’s very interesting to them, for example, they might develop a very strong vocabulary for talking about that one topic. But they might have difficulty communicating about other things.

As autistic children begin talking, they might also talk in an unusual tone that can range from high-pitched and “sing-songy” to robotic or flat.

They might also show signs of hyperlexia, which involves reading beyond what’s expected of their age. Children on the autism spectrum might learn to read earlier than their neurotypical peers, sometimes as early as age 2. But they tend to not comprehend what they’re reading.

While hyperlexia does not always accompany autism, research suggests nearly 84 percent of children with hyperlexia are on the spectrum.

As they interact with others, autistic children might have difficulty sharing their emotions and interests with others or find it hard to maintain back-and-forth conversation. Nonverbal communication, like maintaining eye contact or body language, might also remain difficult.

These challenges with communication can persist throughout adulthood.

Restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior or activities

In addition to the communication and social issues mentioned above, autism also includes symptoms related to body movements and behaviors.

These can include:

• repetitive movements, like rocking, flapping their arms, spinning, or running back and forth
• lining objects, like toys, up in strict order and getting upset when that order is disturbed
• attachment to strict routines, like those around bedtime or getting to school
• repeating words or phrases they hear someone say over and over again
• getting upset over minor changes
• focusing intently on parts of objects, like the wheel of a toy truck or the hair of a doll
• unusual reactions to sensory input, like sounds, smells, and tastes
• obsessive interests
• exceptional abilities, like musical talent or memory capabilities

Other characteristics

Some autistic people might experience additional symptoms, including:

• delayed movement, language, or cognitive skills
• seizures
• gastrointestinal symptoms, like constipation or diarrhea
• excessive worry or stress
• unusual levels of fear (either higher or lower than expected)
• hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive behaviors
• unexpected emotional reactions
• unusual eating habits or preferences
• unusual sleep patterns

What is stimming?

“Stimming” is a term used to describe self-stimulating behaviors, often involving repetitive motions or speech.

For example, someone might clap their hands, rub an object, or repeat a phrase. It’s typically associated with autistic people, but nearly everyone does some form of stimming, whether that’s rubbing their hands together or biting their nails.

For autistic people, stimming can sometimes get in the way of daily life or cause physical harm. But it can also serve as a helpful coping mechanism for dealing with sensory overload or navigating uncomfortable situations, among other things.

What are the different types of autism?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Clinicians use it to diagnose a variety of psychiatric disorders.

The most recent fifth edition of the DSM was released in 2013. The DSM-5 currently recognizes five different ASD subtypes, or specifiers. They are:

• with or without accompanying intellectual impairment
• with or without accompanying language impairment
• associated with a known medical or genetic condition or environmental factor
• associated with another neurodevelopmental, mental, or behavioral disorder
• with catatonia

Someone can receive a diagnosis of one or more specifiers.

Before the DSM-5, autistic people may have received a diagnosis of:

• autistic disorder
• Asperger’s syndrome
• pervasive development disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
• childhood disintegrative disorder

It’s important to note that a person who received one of these earlier diagnoses has not lost their diagnosis and will not need to be reevaluated.

According to the DSM-5, the broader diagnosis of ASD encompasses conditions such as Asperger’s syndrome. 

What causes autism?

The exact cause of ASD is unknown. The most current research demonstrates there’s no single cause.

Some suspected risk factors for ASD include:

• having an immediate family member who’s autistic
• certain genetic mutations
• fragile X syndrome and other genetic disorders
• being born to older parents
• low birth weight
• metabolic imbalances
• exposure to heavy metals and environmental toxins
• a maternal history of viral infections
• fetal exposure to the medications valproic acid or thalidomide (Thalomid)

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), both genetics and environment may determine whether a person develops ASD.

A controversial 1998 study proposed a link between autism and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. However, that study has been debunked by other research and was eventually retracted in 2010. 

How does autism affect girls?

Portrait of sad little girl sitting isolated on blue studio background. How it feels to be autist. Modern problems, new vision of social issues. Concept of autism, childhood, healthcare, medicine.

Because of its greater rate in boys, ASD is often stereotyped as a “boys’ disease.”

According to a 2020 study of 11 regions throughout the United States, ASD is 4.3 times more common in 8-year-old boys than in 8-year-old girls. The research was based on data from 2016.

A 2017 literature review concluded that the male-to-female ratio for autistic youth was actually closer to 3 to 1.

Either way, this does not mean that ASD doesn’t occur in girls. ASD may simply present differently in girls and in women.

In comparison to recent decades, ASD is now being tested earlier and more often. This leads to higher reported rates in both boys and girls.

Why is autism awareness important?

Autism and ADHD are sometimes confused with one another.

Children with an ADHD diagnosis consistently have issues with fidgeting, concentrating, and maintaining eye contact with others. These symptoms are also seen in some autistic people.

Despite some similarities, ADHD is not considered a spectrum disorder. One major difference between the two is that people with ADHD do not tend to lack socio-communicative skills.

If you think your child may be hyperactive, talk with their doctor about possible ADHD testing. Getting a clear diagnosis is essential to ensure that your child is receiving the right support.

It’s also possible for a person to have both autism and ADHD. Explore the relationship between autism and ADHD.

What is the outlook for autistic people?

The most effective therapies involve early and intensive behavioral support. The earlier a child is enrolled in these programs, the better their outlook will be.

Remember, ASD is complex. It takes time for an autistic person — whether a child or adult — to find the support program best suited for them.

CONCLUSION

Kids are vulnerable for abuse and bully when they remain undiagnosed, Parents have to understand that timely diagnosis and interventions are only solution for kids ,so they can grow and develop with their identity and acceptance towards it ,is the first step. EVERY KID COUNTS AND KIDS ARE ALWAYS SPECIAL,LOVE THEM FOR THEIR INNOCENCE AND BE PROUD OF EACH STEP THEY TAKE ,BE WITH THEM IN EVERY IMPORTANT PART OF THEIR LIFE.♥️

–by Cheenu Singh Sisodiya

(Psychologist)