Watching our children grow is always a joy. You can see their imaginative worlds come to life through playing, hear about their interests, and watch them develop into tiny human beings. Amid the exciting achievements and new discoveries, some parents will find out that their child has autism.

Hearing your child’s diagnosis for the first time can be shocking, but that’s OK. The key is to give them the best support they need moving forward. Looking back, you may think of all of the signs you may have missed along the way. Here are three subtle signs of autism you didn’t know about or may have missed.

Experiences Sensory Challenges

While experiencing sensory issues doesn’t mean that your child has autism, it’s common for children with autism to share this. Certain smells, noises, textures, and tastes can evoke emotions, stress, and sensitivity. This can cause anxiety or meltdowns when they’re overstimulated. Sensory issues can also come due to unfamiliarity or sudden change. Observing their triggers lets you pick up on patterns and curb the problem.

Shows Difficulty To Change or Unfamiliarity

While sudden change and unfamiliarity can make anyone uncomfortable or upset, it can be very difficult for some children with autism. Difficulty with transition can show in many ways, whether it’s a new setting, meeting new people, changing schedules, or trying new foods. Your child may cry, have a meltdown, or display strong resistance. The best way to help them cope with change is to prompt them beforehand and give them visual aids to communicate that they will be doing something new.

Masks During Social Interactions

Sometimes children with autism struggle to make friends, even when they’re extroverted and social at home. This could be due to them masking their “true selves.” People with autism may mask for various reasons, such as to make friends, avoid bullying, feel safe, or fit in. Masking can come in many forms, like forcing themselves to make eye contact, mimicking gestures, or hiding personal interests.

Every child is different, and not every child with autism will display the same symptoms and signs as others. Learning the subtle signs of autism can help you act early and find a caring autism service provider to give you the necessary tools to support your child best. You and your child can tackle challenges and grow with proper parent training. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on how our staff and facility can help.