It was a usual Sunday morning when I decided to treat myself to some self-care. I walked into my favourite hair salon, ready for a trim and some relaxation. I’ve always loved the light atmosphere there—the sound of blow dryers humming, the gentle murmur of conversations, and the feeling of getting pampered.
I sat down and was greeted by Emma, my usual hairstylist. She’s been cutting my hair for a while now, and over time, we’ve formed an easy bond. We talked about our usual things—life, family, and the ups and downs of our week. I noticed Emma seemed a bit distracted that day. She kept glancing towards the other side of the room where her little boy, Liam, was sitting quietly, seemingly in his own world
A Mother’s Worry – Observing Early Signs
Halfway through trimming my hair, Emma hesitated for a moment and then said, “You know, Priya, I’ve been really worried about Liam. He doesn’t seem to interact like other kids his age. He avoids eye contact, and he’s often lost in his world. Yesterday, he spent hours lining up his toy cars. Do you think this is normal?” She gave a nervous smile, her voice tinged with both concern and hope.
I could sense the genuine worry behind her words. I placed a comforting hand on her arm. “Let’s talk about it, Emma. I’m not just here for a haircut—I’m here for you too. It sounds like there are some things we might want to explore together.”
What Is Autism?
“Emma, autism is a developmental disorder, usually identified within the first three years of life,” I began gently. “Autism affects how children interact socially, how they communicate, and how they behave. Liam’s behaviours—like avoiding eye contact and spending time in repetitive activities, like lining up his toys—are often associated with autism, but don’t worry, it’s not an illness or something you’ve caused. It’s just the way Liam’s brain processes things.”
Emma nodded, her fingers pausing in my hair. She seemed relieved to be having the conversation. “I noticed this when he was around 18 months,” she said. “But everyone kept telling me that boys develop more slowly.”
I nodded, “It’s common to hear that, but recognizing the signs early is helpful. Many children on the autism spectrum display signs like difficulties in forming normal social relationships, language delays, and often have a restricted range of interests.” I gestured towards Liam, who was now twisting a string between his fingers, completely immersed in the ment. “That sort of focus on repetitive behaviours, like the twiddling Liam’s doing now, is often a way they comfort themselves in an overwhelming environment.”
Understanding What Causes Autism
Emma looked down, biting her lip. “But what causes it, Priya? Did I do something wrong in bringing him up?”
I could see the pain behind her question, the fear that she may have unknowingly caused Liam’s struggles. “Emma, I promise you, you’ve done nothing wrong,” I said softly. “The exact cause of autism isn’t fully understood yet. There isn’t one specific reason—it’s not due to something you did or didn’t do. There might be genetic factors or differences in brain development that contribute. Many kids with autism are physically healthy, but their brains just work uniquely.”
Emma took a deep breath, nodding as she looked over at her son. Liam had switched his attention to one of the large, framed mirrors in the salon and was now watching his own reflection intently.
Identifying the Symptoms of Autism
Emma sighed, her face softening. “I thought he was just a quiet child,” she said. “He was never really interested in playing with other kids, and I assumed he was just shy.”
“That’s understandable,” I said. “Autism symptoms can vary a lot, and no two children on the spectrum are the same. Some, like Liam, might avoid eye contact and seem uninterested in social bonding, while others might be very interested but lack the tools to communicate properly. They also tend to resist changes in routine and may throw tantrums when something is out of place.”
Emma looked relieved. “It’s hard to explain that to others. They just think he’s being difficult, and it makes me feel like I’m doing everything wrong.”
Breaking Down Common Symptoms
- Lack of Social Interaction– Many children with autism, like Liam, avoid eye contact and may struggle to form connections with others.
- Repetitive Behaviors– Repetitive activities, such as lining up toys or twirling objects, can be a coping mechanism for overstimulation.
- Delayed Language Development– About half of autistic children do not develop speech effectively. It could mean Liam might need some extra help learning how to communicate.
- Resistance to Change– Many children with autism feel overwhelmed by changes in their environment or routines.
“It’s so important to understand that none of this is Liam’s fault, nor is it yours,” I added, hoping to ease her guilt.
Treatment and Management Options
Emma looked me in the eyes, her face full of both hope and fear. “Is there anything I can do to help him?”
“Absolutely, Emma,” I said confidently. “While there’s no ‘cure’ for autism, there are plenty of ways to help Liam thrive. Early diagnosis is crucial—it allows us to start a plan to help manage his behaviours and challenges. It might include speech therapy to help him with language, occupational therapy to help him navigate sensory issues, and behavioural therapy to teach him new ways to interact and communicate.”
I paused as Emma processed what I was saying. “It’s all about giving Liam the tools he needs to understand and interact with the world. Sometimes, kids also benefit from specialized early intervention programs. It might take time, but with consistency and support, Liam can learn to communicate better and find ways to manage his anxieties.”
Emma seemed to be a little more at ease. “You know, he really likes playing with blocks, but only in a specific way. Could I use that somehow?”
“Exactly, Emma!” I said, smiling. “Using something he loves, like blocks, can help teach him skills. You could use them to encourage communication—ask him to show you how he builds or to hand you a specific color. Turning what he already loves into a way to learn can be effective.”
The Importance of Consistency
“Another crucial thing is a consistent environment,” I continued. “Kids with autism often do better with a predictable routine. Changes can be overwhelming. I know salon life can be hectic, but creating a regular schedule at home, even small routines can give Liam a sense of security.”
Emma nodded, her eyes softening as she seemed to understand the small things that could help make a big difference.
Medication as an Option
“What about medication? Should I be thinking about that?” she asked hesitantly.
“For some children, medication can help manage symptoms like anxiety or hyperactivity,” I explained. “But it’s not for everyone, and it’s not a cure. It’s just one part of an overall strategy. You’ll want to work closely with a specialist to determine if it’s right for Liam.”
The Road Ahead: What the Future Holds
Emma sighed. “Will it get better as he grows older? Will he be able to live a normal life?”
“Every child is different,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “Autism is a lifelong condition, but that doesn’t mean Liam can’t have a fulfilling life. With early support and interventions, many kids on the spectrum grow up to lead very meaningful lives. Some may continue to need support, but they develop their skills, their strengths, and they find their ways of engaging with the world.”
Emma smiled, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “I just want him to be happy, to have friends, to feel loved.”
“And he will be, Emma,” I assured her. “He’s got you by his side, and you’re already doing everything you can to help him. It will be a journey, but it’s filled with small victories that will make it all worthwhile.”
Final Thoughts: Finding Support for Both Liam and Emma
I reached over, gently squeezing Emma’s shoulder. “There are organizations and support groups out there. You don’t have to do this alone. Connecting with other parents who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly helpful.
Emma wiped a tear that had formed. “Thank you, Priya. I think I needed to hear this today.”
“No thanks needed, Emma. You and Liam have so much ahead of you. He’s not defined by his diagnosis. He’s a wonderful little boy, full of potential.”
Emma stood up, finished with my trim, and gave me a grateful smile. “I think I’m ready to take on this challenge.”
I smiled back at her, feeling both proud and hopeful. Autism may bring its own challenges, but with love, understanding, and the right tools, Emma and Liam could carve out their path—one that would be uniquely theirs, full of possibilities
Frequently Asked Questions About Autism
1. What are the early signs of autism? Early signs of autism often include avoiding eye contact, not responding to their name, delayed language development, repetitive behaviours (like lining up toys), and resistance to change. Parents often notice these behaviours in children before they turn three years old.
2. Is autism caused by bad parenting? Absolutely not. Autism is a developmental disorder with no known specific cause, though it’s believed that genetics and brain development play a role. It has nothing to do with how a child is raised or the actions of a parent.
3. Can a child with autism lead a normal life? Children with autism can lead fulfilling lives, though they may face challenges. With early intervention, support, and therapies, many children with autism learn essential skills and adapt to the world around them. Autism is a lifelong condition, but it does not define a child’s potential.
4. What treatment options are available for autism? There is no medical cure for autism, but therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural interventions, and structured educational programs are highly effective in helping children develop communication and social skills. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms like anxiety or hyperactivity.
5. How can I support my child at home? Establishing routines, creating a consistent environment, celebrating small victories, and using their interests as a way to teach skills are all helpful. Engaging in early interventions and maintaining a close partnership with therapists and teachers are also key steps for home support.