Childhood Autism: Symptoms, Causes and Essential Interventions

Autism in children affects communication and social interaction from the earliest months. In this article, we explain the early signs, potential causes, and essential interventions to support the development of children with autism.

Key points

• Autism is an early neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by difficulties in communication and social interaction, leading to repetitive behaviours and resistance to change.
  
• Early diagnosis of autism is essential to enable appropriate interventions, involving regular assessments and support from professionals such as neuropsychologists and speech therapists.
  
• Multidisciplinary interventions, including behavioural therapies and targeted educational programmes, are crucial in promoting the development of social skills in children with autism.
  

What is autism in children?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder that appears early in childhood. It is manifested by significant difficulties in communication and the development of social interactions. Children with autism may present with a variety of symptoms, including impaired social interaction, repetitive behaviours and resistance to change.

These manifestations may include difficulties in making eye contact, isolating behaviours, and varied sensory reactions such as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to stimuli. Every child is unique, but recognising these signs early can make a big difference to their development and well-being.

Early signs of autism in childhood

The first signs of autism can appear as early as the first few months of life. Early indicators include the absence of babbling and eye contact, often observed before the age of 36 months. Between the ages of one and two, some autistic children show limited interest in other children, often preferring to play alone.

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Behaviours such as self-mutilation, social isolation, or repetitive movements such as hand flapping and body rocking are also warning signs. Children with autism may also show reduced flexibility, preferring strict routines and having intense reactions to minor changes in their environment.

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The following behaviours may be warning signs:

• Self-harm
  
• Social isolation
  
• Repetitive movements such as hand flapping
  
• Body rocking
  

Children with autism may also show reduced flexibility, preferring strict routines and having intense reactions to minor changes in their environment.

Excessive interest in specific subjects, such as numbers or underground lines, is also common. Recognising these signs enables early intervention, which is essential for maximising a child's ASD abilities.

Different types of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) include various forms of autism, each with its own characteristics and degrees of severity. These disorders can appear at different ages, with a variety of symptoms and sometimes genetic causes. This diversity makes each case unique, posing specific challenges for diagnosis and intervention.

Current classifications refer to autism as ASD, encompassing conditions such as infantile autism, Asperger syndrome and atypical autism. Each of these forms presents distinct symptoms and challenges, requiring personalised approaches to support and intervention. 

Childhood autism

Childhood autism is the most common form of developmental disorder, with symptoms appearing before the age of three. Children with autism may show signs of isolation and have difficulty forming social bonds. These early symptoms are often accompanied by repetitive behaviour and inflexible rituals.

It is also common for autism to be associated with mental retardation, the severity of which can vary considerably from one child to another. These characteristics make early diagnosis essential if appropriate and effective interventions are to be put in place.

Asperger's syndrome

Asperger's syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characterised by good intellectual development, but with significant challenges in social communication. Children with this syndrome may have well-developed verbal skills but experience difficulties in social interaction and non-verbal communication.

These children may also show routine behaviours and restricted interests, similar to those seen in other forms of autism.

Early identification and support are crucial to help these children develop their social skills and integrate fully into society.

Atypical autism

Atypical autism is a form of ASD that manifests itself after the age of three, with symptoms similar to those of infantile autism. The main difference lies in the age of onset of symptoms, which can complicate diagnosis.

Children with atypical autism often display repetitive behaviours and communication difficulties, but do not meet the strict criteria for childhood autism. Rett syndrome, although genetically distinct, has similar symptoms to severe childhood autism, underlining the complexity of these diagnoses.

Causes of autism in children

The causes of autism are complex and multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Some genetic mutations may appear spontaneously in children with no family history. Studies also show that genetic variations associated with autism are present in other disorders such as ADHD and intellectual disability.

Research on identical twins reveals a higher probability of sharing a diagnosis of autism compared with non-identical twins, underlining the importance of genetic factors. In addition to genetic factors, environmental influences such as neuroinflammation and exposure to certain medications during pregnancy may also play a role.

Autism is often associated with other disorders such as epilepsy, eating disorders or intellectual disabilities, which further complicates our understanding of its causes. Current research continues to explore these areas to improve early detection and intervention.

Diagnosis of autism in childhood

Early diagnosis of autism is crucial for putting in place appropriate support strategies and improving the child's quality of life. Professionals such as neuropsychologists, psychoeducators and speech therapists play a key role in the assessment.

At the first meeting, interviews with the parents provide detailed information about the child's development and the symptoms observed. The developmental periods closely monitored are 0-2 years and 4-5 years, when early signs may be detected.

The assessment includes tools such as :

• questionnaires completed by parents and carers to identify atypical behaviour
  
• assessment of the child's intellectual potential to adapt intervention strategies
  
• regular assessments, at least once a year, to monitor the child's development.
  

Care and intervention for children with autism

Care for children with autism aims to improve their ability to interact with others and to acquire autonomy. Interventions are particularly effective when applied at an early stage of development. Although some drugs can treat associated conditions such as epilepsy, no drug treatment can cure autism.

Multidisciplinary approaches involving educational interventions, behavioural therapies and family support are essential to meet the diverse needs of children with autism.

Educational interventions

Specific educational interventions play a crucial role in improving the social and communication skills of children with autism. These interventions can include structured programmes and adapted activities to promote social interaction and communication.

Parents also benefit from specific training so that they can better support their children with appropriate educational methods. Parental involvement is essential to the success of these interventions, enabling the children to integrate the skills they have learned into their daily lives.

Behavioural therapies

Behavioural therapies, such as Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), focus on modifying behaviour as a function of the social context. The PECS method, for example, helps non-verbal children to improve their communication through exchanges of images.

Other approaches, such as the TEACCH method and the Denver model, structure the learning environment to meet the specific needs of autistic children and stimulate their social and communicative development. These therapies aim to improve communication and social interaction, which are essential for the child's overall development.

Family support

A clear diagnosis can unlock financial support and access to specialist services, reducing family stress. Funded projects include early identification, intervention and family support, responding to the diverse needs of children with disabilities.

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) workshops help family carers to manage stress and develop resilience, improving their well-being and ability to care for their children.

The role of parents and relatives

Parents play a crucial role in facilitating access to the resources and help available to support their autistic child. An educational booklet on early identification is available to help parents identify autism in their child.

Involving parents in intervention programmes promotes the social integration and development of autistic children. Personalised support, involving a range of professionals, is essential to meet the specific needs of each child.

The challenges of autism research in childhood

Research is underway to develop methods for the early diagnosis of autism, including biological markers. The AIMS-2-Trials and CANDY projects are collecting clinical, genetic and brain imaging data to identify new biomarkers and improve treatments.

These projects also focus on participatory research, integrating clinical and genetic data to offer an active role to people with autism and their families.

Research into associated disorders, such as ADHD and epilepsy, is crucial to understanding the origins of autism and improving support for those affected.

In a nutshell

Autism in childhood is a complex subject that requires an in-depth understanding of early signs, types of ASD, causes and interventions. Early detection and appropriate intervention can greatly improve the quality of life of autistic children and their families.

In short, each child with autism is unique and requires personalised support. Parents, professionals and the community must work together to offer the best possible support, while continuing to encourage research to better understand and treat autism.

Frequently asked questions

What is autism in children?

Autism in children is an early neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by difficulties in communication and social interaction, as well as repetitive behaviour. It is crucial to recognise these signs in order to provide better support for the children concerned.

What are the early signs of autism in childhood?

Early signs of autism in children include an absence of babbling, limited eye contact, a restricted interest in interactions with other children, as well as repetitive behaviour and strong reactions to changes in routine. Observing these indicators is essential for early intervention.

What are the different types of autism spectrum disorders in children?

The main types of autism spectrum disorder in children are infantile autism, Asperger syndrome and atypical autism, each with its own symptoms and challenges. It is essential to understand these distinctions in order to better support the children concerned.

What causes autism in children?

The causes of autism in children are mainly linked to genetic and environmental factors, including spontaneous genetic mutations and influences such as neuro-inflammation. It is essential to take these aspects into account in order to better understand this disorder.

How is autism diagnosed in childhood?

The diagnosis of autism in children involves a thorough assessment by professionals, including interviews about the child's development and the use of specific questionnaires. It is crucial to ensure that this process is carried out by qualified experts to guarantee an accurate diagnosis.