How to diagnose if a child is normal or an autistic child?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have a four year old son, and I am a working woman. Recently, I took my son to a doctor to get him treated for a common cold. The doctor asked me about his communication skill as he has doubt that he might be having autism. My husband got angry hearing that there is something wrong with our child. We are still confused. How can I be sure that he is a normal or an autistic child? He grinds his teeth frequently without any reason, and he gets angry if we try to help him fix things like wearing cloth in an improper way. He bites us as a defense for small reasons, and cries and shows stubbornness. His communication skill is poor, as he talks not in a sentence but word by word. He sometimes looks at my face and responds when I ask him anything, but if he is playing with a toy, he screams and repeatedly asks for. If he wants ice cream and we do not give him, he repeatedly asks and screams. He likes to play with other children and sometimes throws things at them, which hurts them, but he thinks it is part of playing. He understands well and responds properly. His grasping skill is good, and he is very smart. He learns to do things by himself without anyone's help. He is overactive, and he loves watching songs on TV and playing with mobile. Is there anything wrong with him?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Autistic children exhibit impaired social interaction, impaired language in social contacts, and repetitive behavior patterns. There is a spectrum of disorders ranging from mild to severe symptoms. It may be associated with mental retardation, seizure disorder, and microcephaly. The stereotype behavior starts around three years of age and usually there is impaired social interaction and communication. A definitive diagnosis is made around six years of age. The behavior pattern in your child is slightly towards the hyperactive side. The child should be evaluated by a psychiatrist. IQ levels of the child should be checked. It is very difficult to say that your child has an autistic disorder or not, but the behavior is slightly indicative of autism. So, get your child evaluated at six years of age.

I hope this will help you.

Wishing your child good health.

Take care.

For further queries consult a pediatrician online.