"Are Autistic Children Unable to Care for Themselves in Daily Life?"

Challenges of Self-Care for Children with Autism

Children with autism often struggle with daily self-care due to the nature of autism as a psychological disorder. Most children exhibit varying degrees of social interaction difficulties, language development impairments, narrow interests, and repetitive behaviors. Consequently, they typically face challenges in engaging in normal social interactions and performing basic self-care tasks.

1. Social Interaction Difficulties:

Children with autism may lack eye contact with others, reject physical affection such as hugs or caresses from parents, struggle to differentiate between close and distant relationships, and fail to express pleasure or satisfaction when receiving care. These factors hinder their ability to engage in normal social interactions.

2. Language Development Impairments:

Children with autism may experience abnormalities in language development, including delayed language milestones, unusual language forms or content, and impaired fluency. Some may even struggle to communicate normally with others.

3. Narrow Interests and Repetitive Behaviors:

Children with autism tend to have limited interests and may not be interested in other activities. They often engage in repetitive actions like clapping hands or pounding their chests, as well as compulsive behaviors. As they spend significant time on these repetitive activities, it can impede their ability to manage daily life independently.

4. Other Factors:

Children with autism may also experience varying degrees of cognitive dysfunction, such as attention deficit, hyperactivity, and learning difficulties. These issues significantly impact their daily lives, making it challenging for them to perform basic self-care tasks.

If a child is suspected of having autism, it is crucial for parents to promptly seek professional help from a psychiatrist. Early intervention under medical guidance, including behavioral training, interpersonal relationship development interventions, and speech therapy, can help improve the child's symptoms and enhance their quality of life.