A parent can sometimes mistake a child’s mannerism or concern for definitely autism. A deficit area can be a sign or indication of autism, but it could also indicate another type of condition or possible delay. Parents may need to work with professionals to see the big picture of the child and how the sign or mannerism relates to the child’s ability to communicate and interact socially with others. Some children are a bit “unusual” or unusual in their mannerisms, but this could be a sign of many different things. I think of a child who is very talented and who thinks outside the box. This child may over-examine a toy to the point of being excessive, but a good professional would detect that this child has greater cognitive abilities or a strong curiosity about an object, rather than having autism.

Another example could be a child who does not speak at three years of age and would have a delay in the area of ​​communication. A child with autism who does not speak also has a delay or deficit in communication. Professionals working with the child will begin to observe the child’s “intention” or willingness to communicate with others. The speech therapist can see if the child shows a desire to communicate with others, but only has a limited vocabulary to express himself. On the other hand, a child with autism may be using some words, but in a more repetitive way, rather than communicating wants, needs, or desires.

The professional observes if the language is directed at others or if the child does not respond or avoid social interaction. If the child is avoiding social interaction by not speaking, the practitioner will observe whether the avoidance is intentional, whether the child understands the request, or relates to others in some way. However, if the child’s communication is presented as insensitive, withdrawn, and with no “intention” to reach out to others, then there would be more reason to explore the area of ​​autism. Professionals tend to see the whole picture of the child and generally do not focus a full assessment on unusual, atypical, or different mannerism.

Parents and professionals would not want to mistake a single unusual child’s mannerism for a child who has autism with an abundance of characteristics or deficits in the areas of socialization and communication.