Hands of Joy Center for Autism

People with autism have behaviors like hand flapping and avoiding eye contact that are all common parts of their life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Masking is a social phenomenon where people with autism learn, practice, and perform certain behaviors in order to appear more neurotypical and hide observable symptoms.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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One example is practicing smiling or making eye contact at moments that are considered “socially acceptable” by neurotypical people, even though it feels uncomfortable and is exhausting.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you have a loved one who you believe is masking symptoms of autism, you can help them. Connect them with a clinician who can assess their symptoms and, if appropriate, diagnose them.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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https://www.activebeat.com/your-health/children/10-early-autism-symptoms-in-young-children/

Early Autism Signs and Symptoms in Young Children - ActiveBeat Every autistic individual will experience these symptoms differently and on a mild to severe spectrum. However, the following 14 behaviors are considered common early warning symptoms of autism in children.