Slowed Thinking in Children with Autism

One of the important aspects of autism is slowed thinking, which can manifest in various forms and hinder the adaptation of children to social and educational environments. Slowed thinking in children with autism may be linked to differences in information processing, perception of the world around them, social adaptation, and cognitive development.

Causes of Slowed Thinking in Children with Autism

Children with autism may demonstrate slowed thinking for various reasons related to their neurological and cognitive development. The main causes include:

• Information processing features. Children with autism may process information more slowly or differently. They may need extra time to perceive and comprehend new data, leading to slower reactions to their environment and tasks.
• Sensory sensitivities. Many children with autism have heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli (e.g., bright lights, loud sounds, or textures). This can distract them from completing tasks and slow down cognitive processes.
• Speech and language development delays. Most children with autism experience delays in speech development. This affects their ability to perceive and convey information, which can be perceived as slowed thinking. Children may take longer to formulate thoughts and respond to questions.
• Perception and understanding of social information. Children with autism may have difficulty interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, and intonations. This makes it difficult to understand social interactions and slows thinking in social contexts.

The Impact of Slowed Thinking on a Child’s Behavior

Slowed thinking in children with autism influences their behavior and interaction with the world around them. Some of the most noticeable effects include:

• Slow reactions to external stimuli
• Difficulty with multitasking
• Problems with adapting to changes

Signs of Slowed Thinking in an Autistic Child at Home:

• Need for extra time to make decisions
• Feeling of fatigue after completing a task
• Difficulty starting homework (may take several hours)
• Unable to correctly estimate the time required to complete a task
• Refuses to try new foods
• Cannot maintain attention during active or passive reading

Signs of Slowed Thinking in an Autistic Child at School:

• Forgets to write down homework assignments
• Does not finish tasks within the allotted time
• Cannot take notes during a teacher’s lecture
• Has difficulty with mental arithmetic
• Has trouble with planning

In addition to problems at home and in educational institutions, a child may exhibit delays in cognitive functions, language development (e.g., limited vocabulary, speech delay), and difficulties with social perception.

Strategies to Support Slowed Thinking in Children with Autism

To assist children with autism and slowed thinking, it is important to use approaches that help them develop cognitive and social skills, while also adapting their learning and daily life to their individual needs.

• Use of visual materials
• Clear and structured instructions
• Gradual introduction of changes
• Development of social skills
• Correction of sensory overload

Stem Cell Transplantation for Children with ASD – An Effective Supplement to Corrective Therapy

Stem cell transplantation provides an opportunity for timely correction of autism in children. It primarily enhances cognitive potential and affects speech, memory, and attention development. The Mardaleishvili Medical Center has been practicing stem cell transplantation for several years, with children from different parts of the world as patients. The high success rate is supported by real feedback from their parents.

Get more information about autism correction procedures in Georgia!