Why doesn’t my autistic child look when I call their name?

Written By Autism Parents

A collection of parents navigating our way around raising children with autism

Why doesn’t my autistic child look when I call their name?

Some children with autism may have difficulty responding to their own name or to other people’s attempts to get their attention. There are several reasons why this may be the case:

  1. Difficulty with social interaction: Children with autism may have difficulty engaging with others and may not have as many opportunities to learn social norms and expectations. They may not understand that their name is being called or may not understand the purpose of responding to their name.
  2. Sensory sensitivities: Children with autism may be oversensitive to certain stimuli, such as loud noises or bright lights, which can make it difficult for them to focus on and process language. This may make it difficult for them to respond to their name or to other people’s attempts to get their attention.
  3. Difficulty with processing and using language: Children with autism may have difficulty understanding and using language in a typical way. They may have difficulty with receptive language, which is the ability to understand what others are saying, or with expressive language, which is the ability to express their own thoughts and ideas through words or gestures. This may make it difficult for them to understand their own name or to respond appropriately when their name is called.
  4. Limited interest in social interaction: Children with autism may have limited interest in social interaction and may not seek out or respond to social stimuli, such as their name being called.

It’s important to note that every child with autism is unique and may have different challenges when it comes to responding to their name or to other people’s attempts to get their attention. If you have concerns about your child’s ability to respond to their name, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider or a developmental specialist for assessment and guidance. With early intervention and support, it is often possible to improve social interaction and communication skills in children with autism.

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A collection of parents navigating our way around raising children with autism.

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