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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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Digestive System Disorders: Common Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips

The digestive system plays a vital role in overall health by breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. When this system does not function properly, it can lead to discomfort, poor nutrition and chronic illness. Digestive system disorders are increasingly common due to modern lifestyles, dietary habits and stress. Understanding their causes, symptoms and prevention strategies is essential for maintaining long-term gut health.

Public health research shows that a large proportion of adults experience digestive symptoms at some point in their lives, yet many delay seeking care until problems become severe.

What Are Digestive System Disorders?

Digestive system disorders are conditions that affect:

the oesophagus
stomach
intestines
liver
pancreas
gallbladder

They may be temporary or chronic and range from mild functional issues to serious inflammatory or structural diseases.

Common Digestive System Disorders

Acid Reflux and GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus.

Symptoms include:

heartburn
chest discomfort
sour taste in mouth
difficulty swallowing

Long-term reflux can damage the oesophagus if untreated.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional bowel disorder.

Symptoms include:

abdominal pain
bloating
diarrhoea or constipation
alternating bowel habits

Stress and diet often trigger symptoms.

Constipation

Constipation involves infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

Causes include:

low fibre intake
dehydration
sedentary lifestyle

Chronic constipation affects comfort and gut function.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea results from rapid bowel movements.

Common causes include:

infections
food intolerance
medication side effects

Persistent diarrhoea may lead to dehydration and nutrient loss.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Ulcers are sores in the stomach or intestinal lining.

Symptoms include:

burning stomach pain
nausea
bloating

They are often linked to infections or long-term medication use.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms include:

chronic diarrhoea
abdominal pain
weight loss
fatigue

IBD requires long-term medical management.

Common Symptoms of Digestive Disorders

Digestive system disorders often present with:

abdominal pain or cramps
bloating and gas
nausea or vomiting
constipation or diarrhoea
heartburn
unexplained weight changes

Symptoms may fluctuate and worsen with stress or poor diet.

Causes of Digestive System Disorders

Poor Dietary Habits

Diets high in:

processed foods
refined sugars
unhealthy fats

strain the digestive system and alter gut microbiota.

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress affects gut-brain communication, worsening digestive symptoms.

Infections

Bacterial, viral or parasitic infections disrupt gut function.

Food Intolerances

Lactose, gluten or other intolerances cause digestive distress.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of physical activity slows digestion and bowel movement.

Medication Use

Certain medications irritate the stomach lining or alter gut flora.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

People at increased risk include:

individuals with poor diet
those under chronic stress
older adults
people with family history of gut disease
individuals with sedentary lifestyles

Early lifestyle correction reduces risk significantly.

Diagnosis of Digestive Disorders

Evaluation may include:

medical history
physical examination
blood tests
stool tests
imaging or endoscopy

Diagnosis depends on symptom severity and duration.

Treatment Approaches

Medical Management

Treatment varies by condition and may include:

acid suppressants
anti-inflammatory medications
probiotics
antibiotics when needed

Dietary Modifications

increase fibre intake
limit trigger foods
eat regular meals
avoid excessive alcohol

Diet plays a central role in gut health.

Lifestyle Changes

manage stress
exercise regularly
stay hydrated
maintain sleep routine

Healthy habits support digestive function.

Prevention Tips for Digestive Health

Eat a Balanced Diet

Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

Stay Hydrated

Water supports digestion and prevents constipation.

Manage Stress

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques improve gut-brain balance.

Be Physically Active

Movement stimulates bowel activity and gut motility.

Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol

These irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms.

Seek Early Medical Advice

Early care prevents complications and chronic disease.

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Digestive Problems

Untreated digestive disorders may lead to:

nutrient deficiencies
chronic inflammation
poor quality of life
increased disease complications

Early intervention is more effective and less invasive.

When to Consult a Doctor

Medical advice is recommended if:

symptoms persist beyond weeks
pain is severe
blood appears in stool
unexplained weight loss occurs

Prompt evaluation ensures safe management.

Conclusion

Digestive system disorders are common but often underestimated health issues. Symptoms such as bloating, pain, constipation and heartburn may seem minor initially but can signal deeper problems if ignored. Understanding causes, recognising early symptoms and adopting preventive habits help protect digestive health. With timely care, balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices, most digestive disorders can be effectively managed, allowing the digestive system to function smoothly and support overall wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Digestive Health and Nutrition Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Digestive Disorders and Gut Health Guideline
National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Dietary Fibre and Gut Health Researc
Lancet – Gastrointestinal Disease and Prevention Studies
Indian Journal of Gastroenterology – Digestive Disorder Research
Statista – Digestive Health Trends and Lifestyle Factors

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