Last modified on 15 November 2024
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder are often alerted before they have celebrated their 3rd birthday; professionals are also keen observers.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurological disorders that affect several aspects of a child's development. They impact a child's ability to communicate and relate to others, in addition to restricting their interests. Approximately 1 in 80 children are affected each year; this number is increasing as professionals and parents recognize the signs. The reasons for this are not fully understood, but the disorder affects four to five times more boys than girls.
What are the causes of ASD?
The exact causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not yet known. However, it is known that some cases are hereditary. Some researchers believe that environmental factors may also play a role. It appears that parental behavior and skills are not the cause of ASD.
Children with ASD are all unique. However, certain specific traits can be observed in several of them. The difficulties become more apparent during opportunities for interaction, such as at daycare or school.
Here are some signs that might alert you:
- They have difficulty looking those around them in the eyes; they mostly look at the mouth. ;
- a dislike of touching certain textures; ;
- a tendency to repeat unusual movements (e.g., body swaying, hand flapping, finger twisting); ;
- hypersensitivity to certain noises or a neutral attitude to a disturbing noise; ;
- dietary rigidities (e.g., eating yogurt with the same spoon or only eating cheese cut into cubes); ;
- resistance to new events, to changes; ;
a refusal of physical contact (e.g., kisses, hugs, caresses) and - interactions with others; ;
- an interest in repetitive games (e.g., rebuilding the same tower with the same blocks); ;
- sleep disorders; ;
- The child does not respond when called by name; ;
- The cause of his anger is often difficult to determine, and he can be sensed to be in a state of great frustration.
Affectionate and personalized stimulation
Faced with hypo- or hyper-reactivity to sensory stimulation and difficulties in social interactions, children will crave a variety of personalized stimulation through relaxation, affection, and non-directive play. Every small step forward (the child pointing to something that interests them, a smile, a gesture towards another) will be experienced as a victory and encouraged by the adult. A child who feels secure through comfortable and playful interaction will be able to stimulate their mirror neurons through imitation and develop skills because their brain is highly plastic. The more personalized the affectionate stimulation (which is now strongly recommended thanks to recent insights in social neuroscience, as affection helps children's brains mature), the more you will encourage the child to leave their own world and enter yours. Creating a small, cozy, and sensory space is invaluable (as recommended by the...). Snoezelen pedagogy), the quality of your relationship and the games offered are essential; prefer puppets and dolls to interact with him, balls and balloons, objects and games of sensory stimulation and which create a bond. The earlier and more gently you intervene, when you sense the child is open, the more you help them develop their social skills.
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