Quick Test to Check for Autism Traits in You and Your Child

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that typically manifests in early childhood. It affects a child's social interactions, communication abilities, and behavior patterns. The spectrum of autism is broad, and each child may exhibit different symptoms. Therefore, early identification and intervention are crucial. This article will introduce the basic characteristics of autism, how to use a simple screening tool to identify potential signs of autism, and what steps to take next.

I. Characteristics of Autism

The core features of autism include the following aspects:

1. Social Interaction Difficulties

Children with autism may struggle to establish and maintain relationships with others. For example, they might have difficulty understanding others' emotions, find it hard to participate in group games, or appear indifferent or detached during social interactions.

2. Communication Challenges

Children with autism may experience delays or abnormalities in both verbal and non-verbal communication. Some children may speak late, or their speech may be monotonous and repetitive. They may also have difficulty understanding gestures, facial expressions, or eye contact.

3. Repetitive Behaviors and Narrow Interests

Children with autism may exhibit repetitive behavior patterns, such as arranging objects in a fixed manner, being overly sensitive to certain sounds or textures, or showing an intense interest in specific things (e.g., numbers, wheels).

II. Initial Screening: Autism Tendency Test

Early screening is a key step in identifying autism. Below is a simple test table to help you assess whether a child may have tendencies towards autism. Please note that this is only a preliminary screening tool and cannot replace a professional diagnosis by a doctor.

Test Table

Please answer the following questions based on the child's actual behavior and choose the option that best describes the child.

1. When called by name, does the child seem unresponsive?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

2. Does the child like to arrange objects in a fixed manner?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

3. Does the child show discomfort or overreaction to certain sounds or tactile stimuli?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

4. Does the child have difficulty understanding or following simple instructions?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

5. Does the child lack imagination or creative play?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

6. Does the child strongly resist changes in routine?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

7. Does the child often use monotonous or repetitive language during communication?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

8. Does the child have a weak reaction to pain or discomfort?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

9. Does the child show exceptional abilities in certain skills (e.g., math, music, drawing)?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

10. Does the child often laugh or cry for no apparent reason?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

11. Does the child lack empathy or understanding of others' emotions or pain?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

12. Does the child exhibit rigid or repetitive behavior in daily activities?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

13. Is the child overly sensitive to certain sounds, smells, or textures?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

14. Does the child show great distress when the environment or daily routine changes?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

15. Does the child often daydream or seem indifferent to the surrounding environment?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Often

Scoring Criteria

• A: No: 0 points
• B: Sometimes: 1 point
• C: Often: 2 points
• Total Score Range: 0-30 points
• Scoring Results:
• 0-10 points: The child may not have significant tendencies towards autism, but continued observation is recommended.
• 11-20 points: The child may exhibit some behaviors associated with autism. It is recommended to consult a professional doctor for further evaluation.
• 21-30 points: The child may have a higher likelihood of autism. It is strongly recommended to seek a detailed assessment from a professional institution.

III. Next Steps

If the screening results indicate that the child may have tendencies towards autism, here are some suggestions:

1. Seek Professional Evaluation

Be sure to consult a professional medical or psychological institution, such as a child psychiatrist, psychologist, or autism diagnostic specialist. They can conduct a more comprehensive evaluation, such as using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) or the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).

2. Early Intervention

If autism is diagnosed, early intervention is crucial. Interventions include behavioral therapy, language and communication training, and social skills training. These interventions can help children better adapt to society and improve their quality of life.

3. Family Support

Parental support is vital for a child's development. Understanding autism, attending parent training programs, and connecting with other families of children with autism can help you better cope with the challenges.

IV. Conclusion

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, but early identification and intervention can significantly improve a child's social and communication abilities. If you have any concerns about your child's development, do not hesitate to seek professional help as soon as possible. Every child is unique, and what they need most is not just diagnosis and treatment, but love, understanding, and support.

We hope this article provides you with some useful guidance to help you better understand and address autism.