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Published on: Aug 14, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Pediatrician

What Are The Common Signs & Symptoms Of Autism ?

What are the Common Signs & Symptoms of Autism ?

The common signs and symptoms of autism in children include lack of eye contact, repetitive hand movement, unusual fixations on objects or events like ceiling fans, and a failure to show meaning using tone and body language. Children with autism often develop some ability to understand empathy as they grow up but the earlier you identify it and seek treatment for your child the better chance, they have at making social connections. The most important thing is that early detection is very important to give your child time to learn social skills that will make their life easier when learning about everything else going on around them. When looking for new information on autism look no further than second-medic.com because we give you access to qualified medical advice from a specialist.

The Autism Society outlines a number of signs that parents can use to determine whether or not they should take their child for an autism evaluation. The most common signs are social and communication issues, obsessions with specific objects, repetitive movements, resisting change; difficulty transitioning from one activity to another; difficulties organizing tasks or ideas; unusually intense reactions to sensory information (tactile, auditory); poor motor skills; difficulty with language-whether in speaking, reading comprehension and writing. Improvement is possible when diagnosed early.

If a doctor or therapist has recommended that you get a second opinion on your child's possible autism diagnosis, then it's important to find doctors and therapists in your area who offer this service.

The trouble with diagnosing autism in children is that every child is different, developing at their own pace and in various parts of the brain. The most significant difference between autistic and non-autistic children are social interactions, which include difficulty interacting with other people, strange eye contact, or reacting to emotions displayed by others. Another red flag would be repetitive behaviors. Overall, these signs and symptoms require significant active observation for a diagnosis.

Generally speaking, though the best way to manage kids with autism is by establishing an orderly schedule as far as possible so it will

A pediatrician will carry out a physical examination to look for any suspicious signs. There are currently no medical or blood tests that can formally diagnose autism. Diagnosis is based on reports from parents, usually in the form of a diagnosis by exclusion (i.e., ruling out other causes of the symptoms). The following are considered as red flags: Dramatic change in toilet training at an early age social delay (does not play well) Loss of words or language skills, even though there is nothing wrong with hearing Tantrums Self-harming behavior/signs of stress Abnormally strong reactions to certain sounds and textures, loud noises such as clinking.

When a child does not show any of these signs and symptoms, it doesn't necessarily mean he or she doesn't have autism. Consult with Second Medic opinion online consultation for more information.

The common sign is unusual delays in language development. They may seem ahead at times and will love to repeat words after you say them but then they start having trouble stringing together two-word phrases as they get older. It's also different from dyslexia in that autistic children are usually well-behaved instead of hyperactive so there's no fidgeting or interrupting others when someone else is talking. The classic test for autism is the "AQ" test which measures social awareness and communication skills among other things.

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Shortness of Breath Causes: From Common Triggers to Serious Health Conditions

Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnea, is a symptom that ranges from mild discomfort during exertion to a distressing sensation of not getting enough air. In India, increasing air pollution, lifestyle diseases and respiratory infections have made breathlessness a frequent complaint across age groups. Understanding shortness of breath causes is essential to identify when it is harmless and when it signals a medical emergency.

What Is Shortness of Breath?

Shortness of breath refers to difficulty breathing or a feeling of air hunger.

It may present as:

rapid breathing
shallow breathing
tightness in the chest
inability to take a deep breath

The sensation can develop suddenly or gradually.

Common and Benign Causes of Shortness of Breath

Physical Exertion

During exercise, the body demands more oxygen.

Temporary breathlessness during:

climbing stairs
running
heavy physical work

is normal and resolves with rest.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Stress and anxiety alter breathing patterns.

Symptoms include:

rapid breathing
chest tightness
dizziness

These episodes often resolve with calming techniques.

Respiratory Causes of Shortness of Breath

Asthma

Asthma causes airway narrowing and inflammation.

Symptoms include:

wheezing
chest tightness
breathlessness during exertion or at night

Asthma is a leading cause of chronic breathlessness.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Risk factors include:

smoking
indoor air pollution
occupational exposure

WHO identifies COPD as a major cause of breathlessness in adults.

Respiratory Infections

Infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis reduce lung capacity.

Breathlessness may be accompanied by:

cough
fever
chest pain

Severe infections require urgent treatment.

Heart-Related Causes of Shortness of Breath

Heart Failure

The heart fails to pump blood efficiently.

This leads to:

fluid accumulation in lungs
breathlessness on exertion
breathlessness while lying flat

ICMR data shows heart disease as a major contributor to unexplained breathlessness.

Coronary Artery Disease

Reduced blood supply to the heart can cause:

breathlessness
chest discomfort
fatigue

This may occur even without chest pain in some individuals.

Blood and Metabolic Causes

Anemia

Low hemoglobin reduces oxygen delivery.

Common symptoms include:

fatigue
breathlessness on mild activity
pale skin

NFHS-5 highlights anemia as highly prevalent in India.

Thyroid Disorders

Hyperthyroidism increases metabolic demand, causing breathlessness.

Hypothyroidism may contribute indirectly through weight gain and reduced stamina.

Lung Circulation Disorders

Pulmonary Embolism

A blood clot in the lungs causes sudden, severe breathlessness.

This is a medical emergency and may be accompanied by:

chest pain
coughing blood
fainting

Immediate treatment is critical.

Lifestyle-Related Causes

Obesity

Excess body weight restricts lung expansion.

Breathlessness occurs due to:

increased oxygen demand
reduced lung volumes

Weight management improves breathing efficiency.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Poor physical conditioning reduces respiratory muscle strength.

Even mild exertion may cause breathlessness.

Environmental and Occupational Factors

Air Pollution

Pollutants irritate airways and reduce lung function.

Urban populations experience higher rates of breathlessness.

Workplace Exposure

Dust, chemicals and fumes increase respiratory risk.

Protective measures are essential in high-risk occupations.

When Shortness of Breath Is a Warning Sign

Seek urgent care if breathlessness:

starts suddenly
worsens rapidly
occurs at rest
is associated with chest pain, bluish lips or confusion

These may indicate life-threatening conditions.

How Shortness of Breath Is Diagnosed

Evaluation may include:

physical examination
chest imaging
blood tests
lung function tests
heart evaluation

Diagnosis focuses on identifying the root cause.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Care

Prevention includes:

regular physical activity
pollution protection
smoking cessation
weight control
managing chronic conditions

Preventive healthcare reduces long-term risk.

Importance of Early Medical Evaluation

Delayed diagnosis can worsen outcomes, especially in:

heart disease
lung infections
anemia

Early care improves treatment success.

Conclusion

Shortness of breath causes range from temporary exertion and anxiety to serious heart, lung and blood disorders. While occasional breathlessness may be harmless, persistent or sudden symptoms should never be ignored. Understanding the underlying causes and seeking timely medical evaluation can prevent complications and save lives. Paying attention to changes in breathing is an essential step toward protecting overall health and wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Respiratory and Cardiac Health Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Breathlessness and Chronic Disease Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Anemia and Respiratory Health Data
Lancet – Dyspnea Evaluation and Outcomes Research
NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Reports
Statista – Respiratory Disease and Air Pollution Trends

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