Autism is a puzzling condition, even for those with plenty of exposure but does it always show in childhood? Let’s find out.
Autism and childhood basics
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, socialise, and behave appropriately in social situations.
Autism is typically diagnosed in childhood, but it is not always apparent during early childhood.
While some children may show signs of autism in infancy or early childhood, others may develop symptoms later on in childhood.
What about high functioning autism?
It is not uncommon for some children to go undiagnosed until adolescence or even adulthood.
This can be particularly true for individuals who are high-functioning or who have learned to mask their symptoms.
Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that it presents differently in different individuals. Some people with autism may have very pronounced symptoms that are immediately noticeable, while others may have milder symptoms that are more difficult to detect.
This can make it challenging to diagnose autism, particularly in individuals who have developed coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms.
Childhood early signs
There are several early signs of autism that parents and caregivers can look for in young children. These can include a lack of eye contact, delayed speech or language skills, repetitive behaviours or routines, and difficulty with social interactions.
However, not all children with autism will exhibit these early signs, and some may present with other symptoms.
As children with autism grow and develop, their symptoms may change or become more pronounced.
For example, a child who was previously able to communicate verbally may experience a regression in their language skills and become nonverbal.
Conversely, a child who was nonverbal may begin to develop language skills later on in childhood.
Autism, girls and boys
It is worth noting that some individuals with autism may be misdiagnosed or undiagnosed altogether.
This can be particularly true for girls and women, as the condition presents differently in females than it does in males.
Additionally, individuals from certain cultural backgrounds may be less likely to be diagnosed with autism, as the symptoms may be misattributed to cultural or linguistic differences.
Summary – Does autism always show in childhood?
While autism is typically diagnosed in childhood, it is not always immediately apparent. Some children may develop symptoms later on in childhood, while others may go undiagnosed until adolescence or adulthood.
Additionally, the presentation of autism can vary widely from person to person, making it challenging to diagnose in some cases.
Parents and caregivers should be aware of the early signs of autism and seek out a professional evaluation if they suspect that their child may be exhibiting symptoms.
