Understanding Child Development and Autism

Understanding Developmental Milestones

Every child's journey is unique, but development typically follows a predictable path. Milestones are the skills and abilities that children are expected to achieve by a certain age, such as smiling for the first time, taking their first steps, or speaking their first words. These milestones are important markers that help parents and healthcare providers track a child's progress in key areas: social, emotional, cognitive, communication, and physical development.

For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the developmental path can look different. Some milestones may be reached on time, while others might be delayed or appear in a different order. Understanding these differences is the first step toward providing the right support.

Social and Emotional Differences

One of the earliest signs of ASD can be differences in social interaction. While a neurotypical infant might make eye contact, smile at caregivers, and respond to their name, a child with ASD might:

• Avoid or have limited eye contact.


• Not respond to their name by 12 months.


• Prefer to play alone or show limited interest in others.


• Have difficulty understanding other people's feelings or expressing their own.

Communication and Language Delays

Communication is another core area where differences often appear. While some children with ASD have significant language delays, others may develop a robust vocabulary but struggle with the social nuances of language. Common signs include:

• Delayed speech or no speech at all.


• Repeating words or phrases over and over (echolalia).


• Using an unusual tone of voice (e.g., flat, robotic).


• Not using gestures like pointing or waving.


• Difficulty with back-and-forth conversation.

Repetitive Behaviors and Restricted Interests

Children with ASD often thrive on routine and may display repetitive behaviors or have intense interests in specific topics. This can manifest as:

• Repetitive movements like hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning.


• An insistence on sameness and difficulty with changes in routine.


• Intense, narrow interests in specific subjects, objects, or activities.


• Lining up toys or objects in a particular order.

Sensory Sensitivities

Many individuals with ASD experience the world through a different sensory lens. They may be over-sensitive (hyper-reactive) or under-sensitive (hypo-reactive) to sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. This can lead to behaviors like:

• Distress over loud noises or bright lights.


• Aversion to certain food textures or clothing fabrics.


• A need for deep pressure, such as tight hugs.


• Seeming oblivious to pain or temperature.

A Holistic View with the Bloom Compass Program

Recognizing these differences is not about focusing on deficits, but about understanding your child's unique way of experiencing and interacting with the world. At Bloom Healthcare, our Bloom Compass Program is designed to do just that.

We believe in a holistic approach that goes beyond a diagnosis. Our comprehensive assessments evaluate the whole child—emotionally, behaviorally, and biologically. This allows us to identify your child's specific strengths and challenges and create a personalized care plan that fosters growth, confidence, and independence.

If you've noticed developmental differences in your child or are seeking a more personalized approach to autism care, we're here to help. For a consultation, contact us by WhatsApp, email at info@bloommedcare.com, or call +971 4 263 5089.