Quick Self-Assessment: Is Autism a Possibility for You or Your Child?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. Early diagnosis and intervention, ideally between the ages of 3 and 6, can greatly improve outcomes. It's crucial to observe behaviors closely, as early signs can be subtle. Preventative measures focus on avoiding drug misuse, virus infections, and significant emotional stress during early pregnancy.

Three Key Characteristics of Autism:

Social Interaction Challenges:

Children with autism often struggle to connect with peers and may not form typical friendships. They might seem indifferent to others or show limited interest in engaging socially.

Communication Difficulties:

This includes both verbal and non-verbal communication. Non-verbal issues can manifest as limited gestures, such as shaking the head or waving. Children may have trouble understanding or using language properly, displaying odd speech patterns or difficulty with tone and pace.

Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviors:

Children might fixate on specific, often non-play-related objects—especially things that move or spin. They might engage in repetitive actions or insist on strict routines, like always arranging toys in a specific order or repetitively watching certain movements.

Self-Test for Autism Signs (Based on the Past Month):

Answer the following based on your or your child's behavior over the past month:

• Does your child have a favorite object they carry everywhere?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Frequently

• Is your child often unable to calm down when excited?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Frequently

• Does your child avoid physical affection, like hugs?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Frequently

• Does your child laugh without any apparent reason?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Frequently

• Does your child use gestures to communicate ideas?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Frequently

• Does your child struggle with communication while playing with others?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Frequently

• Is your child disinterested in extracurricular activities?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Frequently

• Does your child resist going to school?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Frequently

• Does your child repeat certain actions or words?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Frequently

• Does your child seem unaware of things happening around them?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Frequently

• Is your child fascinated by spinning or rotating objects?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Frequently

• Does your child avoid eye contact?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Frequently

• Does your child follow fixed routines or thinking patterns?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Frequently

• Does your child take longer to respond to sounds or language, often needing repetitions?

A. No

B. Sometimes

C. Frequently

Scoring and Interpretation:

Scoring:

A = 0 points

B = 1 point

C = 2 points

Results Interpretation:

0-6 points: No significant signs of autism.

7-15 points: Mild autism-related traits. Close monitoring is recommended.

16-22 points: Moderate signs of autism. Psychological assessment or therapy is advisable.

22+ points: Significant autism traits. Professional evaluation and treatment should be pursued.

Note: This self-test provides a general indication of potential autism-related behaviors but is not a substitute for professional diagnosis. If you have concerns, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation.