Regressive Autism in kids is one of the most heartbreaking diagnoses a parent can receive. Regressive Autism is when a child’s development has seemingly come to a halt, and they lose skills they once had, such as speaking or using the toilet. This regression can happen suddenly, often due to an illness or injury. As a parent, you must not lose hope. To determine whether your child has regressive Autism or not, you could watch out for various signs discussed in this article. Take a look.
Loss of Social Skills
If your child was once gregarious and loved meeting new people but has now become withdrawn and avoids eye contact, it could be a sign that they are struggling with social interaction. This withdrawal can manifest itself in different ways. Some children may become completely non-verbal, while others may only speak in single words or echolalia (repeating what someone else has said).
Repetitive Behavior
Do you notice your child engaging in repetitive behaviors such as spinning, rocking, or flapping their hands? These stimming behaviors are often a way for children with Autism to deal with overwhelming sensory input or anxiety.
Fixated Interests
Do you find your child fixated on certain interests to the point of obsession? This could be anything from a love of trains or cars to an abnormal interest in numbers or patterns. While all children have favorite things, children with Autism may become fixated on these interests and want to talk about nothing else.
Sensory Issues
Many children with Autism have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), which means they have difficulty processing information from their senses. This can cause them to feel overloaded by everyday sounds, smells, tastes, textures, and lights. As a result, they may cover their ears, avoid certain foods or dislike being hugged.
Sleep Problems
Sleep problems are common in children with Autism. They may have difficulty falling and staying asleep, leading to fatigue and behavioral issues during the day.
Digestive Issues
Digestive issues can range from constipation and diarrhea to reflux and food allergies. Many children with Autism also have a limited diet due to their picky eating habits.
Meltdowns or Tantrums
All children have tantrums from time to time, but children with Autism may have more frequent or intense meltdowns. These tantrums are often a result of the child feeling overwhelmed, frustrated or anxious.
Self-injurious Behavior
Self-injurious behavior is any behavior where a person causes physical harm to themself. This can include head banging, biting, hair pulling, and skin picking. Self-injurious behavior is often a way for children with Autism to cope with overwhelming feelings.
Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing With a Child With Regressive Autism
You must remember that regressive Autism is not your child’s fault. There is nothing that you have done wrong, and no amount of love or support can change the fact that your child has this condition.
Moreover, try to be patient with your child. They may feel overwhelmed and confused, and it will take time to adjust to this new reality. Also, seek support from other parents with children with an autism spectrum disorder. They will be able to offer practical advice and emotional support.
Final Word
If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s important to seek help from a qualified professional as soon as possible. Early intervention is vital for children with Autism and can make a huge difference in their development and quality of life. If you still have questions or concerns, feel free to contact us in the comments!
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
