Lately, terms like autism, autistic traits, and spectrum disorders have become increasingly common. But there is another term that is starting to become a buzzword among parents, which is pseudo-autism.
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What is Pseudo Autism?
In short, pseudo-autism is a condition where a child shows symptoms similar to autism, but does not actually have autism.
Pseudo-autistic children usually do not make eye contact, speak slowly, have communication problems, have repetitive behaviors, are socially withdrawn, and are very sensitive to sound or touch.
Pseudo Autism Can Be Treated
However, in cases of pseudo-autism, these symptoms are usually caused by external factors, temporary conditions, or other issues that can be treated or reversed.
In medical terms, “pseudo” means false or resembling, so pseudo autism is not an official diagnosis, but a term used to describe behavior that appears to be autism but is due to other causes.
Causes of Pseudo Autism in Children
Here are some causes of pseudo autism that parents need to pay attention to:
1. Lack of Social Stimulation Since Childhood
In the early years of life, the child’s brain develops very rapidly and social stimulation is very important in this process.
If children are raised in a quiet environment, with little interaction, or lack of communication with people around them, their social development can be stunted.
When this happens, they may:
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Not good at communicating with people
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No response when called
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Don’t know how to interact
This kind of situation can happen when a child is raised by a caregiver who is passive, doesn’t talk much, or when a child is raised in an environment that is too quiet without any surrounding stimulation.
2. Excessive Screen Exposure (TV, phone, tablet)
This is one of the most common causes these days. Many parents use their phones or tablets to “calm” their children. Unfortunately, if it’s too long and too early, it can have a big impact on their child’s development.
When the child:
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Watch YouTube 4-6 hours a day
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Play games non-stop
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Given screens while eating, sleeping and playing
Their brains are more likely to “make friends” with gadgets than humans. As a result:
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Children are not sensitive to their parents’ voices
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Not interested in talking
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Don’t know how to interact
When this behavior occurs, it can look like autism. But it’s actually called “digital pseudo-autism” by experts, and it can be reversed if the cause (i.e. the screen) is stopped.
3. Developmentally Delayed
There are also children who do experience normal developmental delays — for example, being slow to speak, slow to walk, or slow to understand instructions.
The problem is, if a 2-year-old child still doesn’t talk, or a 3-year-old doesn’t understand instructions, many parents immediately panic and assume it’s a sign of autism.
In fact, it might just be:
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Speech problems (speech delay)
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Mild hearing problems
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Less stimulating environment
With early therapy, these children will usually show significant improvement, and do not necessarily fall on the autism spectrum.
4. Lack of Sensory Stimulation
Children need various types of sensory stimulation to grow up healthily, such as sound, touch, light, movement, and so on.
If a child is raised in an environment that is too quiet, lacking play, no hugs or touch
The little one also exhibits strange behaviors such as rocking his body, avoiding touch and being inactive. These also resemble symptoms of autism, but are actually caused by a lack of sensory stimulation since childhood.
5. Hearing Problems
Sometimes a child doesn’t respond when called, not because they don’t want to respond, but because they can’t hear. Hearing problems can be present from birth or due to repeated ear infections.
When the child doesn’t listen:
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Children don’t learn words well.
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Don’t understand the instructions
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Does not respond when called
This can be mistaken for autism, when the real problem can be treated or helped with hearing aids.
Signs of Pseudo Autism in Children
Pseudo-autism symptoms in children often resemble those of autism, but are not actually autism. They may be caused by environmental factors or other developmental problems.
Here are some pseudo signs of autism in children:
1. Not Answering When Called
A child may not respond when their name is called. This is often considered a sign of autism, but sometimes it can be due to a child lacking social stimulation or being too preoccupied with something.
2. Lack of Eye Contact
Children who make little eye contact when talking or playing can be a sign of autism. However, in the case of pseudo-autism, this may be due to a lack of social interaction or an environment that is too quiet or lacks communication.
3. Likes to be alone
A child who likes to play alone and doesn’t want to interact with peers or adults may appear to be autistic. However, this may be due to a lack of social stimulation or emotional distress, rather than autism.
4. Speak slowly
Slow speech or no speech at all at an appropriate age can be a sign of pseudo-autism. In most cases, this is more related to speech delay or hearing problems, not autism.
5. Repetitive Behavior
Some children may exhibit repetitive behaviors, such as rocking their bodies or moving their hands repeatedly. While these can be symptoms of autism, in cases of pseudo-autism, these behaviors may be due to lack of stimulation or boredom.
6. Excessive Anxiety
Children who are easily agitated, fearful of new people, or reluctant to try new things may exhibit behaviors similar to autism. This may be due to trauma, an unstable environment, or a lack of emotional support.
7. Sensitive to Sound or Touch
Some children may be very sensitive to loud noises or touch, which can make them act in strange ways, such as covering their ears or avoiding touching certain objects.
This is sometimes caused by a lack of sensory stimulation or traumatic experiences, not because of autism.
8. Lack of Empathy for Others
A child who does not show empathy or does not understand other people’s feelings (such as not responding to people’s facial expressions) may be considered to have autism.
However, in the case of pseudo-autism, this may occur because the child has not been taught how to recognize and respond to the feelings of others.
9. **Sudden Behavior Changes
Sometimes, a previously cheerful and active child suddenly becomes more withdrawn, less interactive, or starts to exhibit strange behaviors. This may be due to psychological problems or trauma, but it can be mistaken for a sign of autism.
How to Overcome Pseudo Autism
If you think your child has pseudo-autism, here are the steps you can take:
1. Reduce Screen Time
Recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics:
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Under 18 months: no screens at all except video calls
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Ages 2–5: no more than 1 hour per day of quality content. For children who show symptoms, a complete screen detox may be better.
2. Increase Interaction
Talk to your child, make eye contact, sing, play, and respond to their reactions. This helps with social and language development.
3. Get a Doctor’s Checkup
See a specialist such as a child development specialist, speech therapist, or child psychologist to assess your child’s actual situation.
4. Encourage Physical Activity
Give children space to move, play, and explore the real world. These activities are important for healthy brain and emotional development.
The Difference Between True Autism and Pseudo Autism
Understanding the difference between true autism and pseudo-autism is very important because: Children who are misdiagnosed as autistic may receive inappropriate interventions, while the real cause is not addressed.
On the other hand, children with pseudo-autism may recover quickly with therapy, lifestyle changes, or social interaction, treatments that may not be effective for true cases of ASD.
Avoid Mislabeling and Stigma
Autism is a lifelong condition. If a child is given the wrong label, it can affect their identity, learning, and how others interact with them. Although society is becoming more open about autism, stigma still exists in some communities.
When parents understand that their child may be experiencing pseudo-autism, they can take actions such as reducing screen time, increasing physical and social activity , and seeking professional help.
Is Pseudo Autism Curable?
Pseudo-autism can be cured because it is not a true neurological disorder. If the cause is identified and treated (such as reducing screen time), most symptoms can disappear.
How Long Does It Take to Recover?
Some parents see positive changes within a few weeks, while others may take months. The key is to be consistent and patient.
Although pseudo-autism is not an official medical diagnosis, it is an important concept that everyone needs to understand.
If your child shows signs of pseudo-autism, don’t panic. Observe. Interact. Get help. Many children who show symptoms of pseudo-autism can fully recover with the right lifestyle changes.
Hope this article is useful.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Malaysia