A sensory integration-trained speech-language pathologist and mother of four, has taken to Instagram with an informative reel outlining some potential early signs of autism in contrast to neurotypical development in children.
Jessie Ginsburg, an expert in sensory processing who has created her own certification programme to educate others, highlighted that while she’s only sharing a few indicators, it’s critical to recognise the diversity amongst autistic children. Medical News Today explains ‘neurotypical’ as someone whose thought processes and learning align with cultural norms, often hitting developmental milestones at similar ages to their peers.
On the other hand, ‘neurodivergent’, often used by those on the autism spectrum, describes alternative information processing. Jessie cautions viewers in her Instagram caption: “Here are just SOME early autism signs.
“It’s SO important to remember that NOT ALL Autistic children look the same! One Autistic child may have ALL of these traits and another may have a couple!
“P.S. I recommend staying away from the term ‘red flags’ when talking about autism – because that implies that autism is something to be afraid of. Instead, use the word characteristics, traits or signs.
“Autism is a neurotype! A brain difference (and yes it is still a disability). Once we know a child is Autistic we will know how to best support them, and that is the most important thing. What were some of the earliest signs you saw in your child?”
Below are the scenarios Jessie gave in her reel and whether they are early signs of autism, neurotypical development or both:
- First words like Mama, Dada, up, dog or moo – neurotypical development
- Repeats phrases, lines from movies and full songs – early sign of autism
- Has a love of letters and numbers – early sign of autism
- Has favourite tv characters – both
- Enjoys lining up toys – early sign of autism
- Looks back and forth between you and their toys while playing – neurotypical development
- Leads your hand to what they want – early sign of autism
- Has trouble with changes in routines and prefers consistency – early sign of autism
- Calms down within five to 10 minutes – neurotypical development
- Seeks sensory input like spinning and flapping – autism
- Shows affection – both
Jessie’s reel has racked up an impressive 8.6 million views, 53,000 likes and thousands of comments. Many were happy that Jessie had shed light on the subject. One person said: “As a mom of an autistic 5 year old and a neurotypical 3 year old, this is definitely accurate in my experience.”
Another said: “Love this so much! I’ve heard so many times “but he’s so affectionate! No way he’s autistic!” However, she also came under criticism from several users who said the signs Jessie raised in her post also apply to children who do not have autism. One said: “All of these are ALSO signs of normally developing children. I feel like autism is so overly diagnosed these days…”
Another user added: “Umm all this sounds like a normal child. A third user commented: “What nonsense. Apparently everyone has autism.”
Another speech language pathologist came to Jessie’s defence as she said: “As an Autistic SLP who specializes in Autism evaluations, I agree with this! I will say that many NT children can have 1-2 autistic traits and autistic kids can have NT traits, have strengths, be social etc.
“Autism is not always as different as people in these comments seem to think, and if your child is showing many traits listed on the Autism side and fewer traits listed on the NT side, that is a good sign that you should learn more about Autism and consider an evaluation – even if people/professionals in your child’s life have said ‘there’s no way they are Autistic’ – that is said about Autistic kids all the time. Also, please don’t listen to the comments saying ‘this is normal’ or ‘all kids do this’.
“If a child is Autistic, they may benefit from support and knowing they are Autistic early can change and literally save lives. So instead of dismissing this or invalidating other’s experiences, simply decide to learn more about Autism.”
The NHS has also shared some signs of autism in children, including repeating the same phrases mentioned by Jessie, not responding to their name, avoiding eye contact and repetitive movements like flapping their hands, flicking their fingers or rocking their body, another sign Jessie flagged in her reel. The NHS recommends parents who think their child might be autistic to get advice, for example by speaking to a GP or health visitor for children under five years old.