do kids with autism often get sad?

[edita0522]

My 3 year old daughter was diagnose with mild autism just recently. since she doesnt communicate well I am always lookin for facial expressions . I notice that she will get sad all of a sudden for no apparent reason . I feel sometimes like a failure and I think I might not be doing something right like all of this is my fault. I just wish I can understand better! seeing her like that really breaks my heart.

[IChris]

Since autistic has challenges with facial expressions, relying on such information may not give you the correct answer; an autistic may look sad when she actually is happy.

[edita0522]

thanks for your response!

[skepticalpeach]

My daughter has autism and she definitely gets sad. She has mastered facial expressions and it is pretty easy to tell her mood despite her speech difficulties. We got her an iPad to use as a voice device and she will use to say things such as "I'm sad," I'm frustrated," I'm happy." I wouldn't completely rely on facial expressions to tell you how your child is feeling, but I'm sure they do tell a lot, just like with any other person.

I feel like I should say that people with autism are exactly that, people. Individuals capable of feeling and expressing emotions. While they have trouble with communication it does not mean that they never can communicate and do not want to. It is a myth that people with autism cannot feel emotions and aren't affectionate.

[edita0522]

thank you soo much for your comment.

[Bri_1985]

My 2 year old has communication trouble too. What we've been working on with him through therapy is communicating via pictures. If he wants a particular toy, he hands us the picture and sometimes will sign "please". If your daughter is going through therapy, this may be something to try out. Use pictures of different emotions and ask her which one she feels. Use a mirror to show her what feeling she is expressing versus what feeling she chose. It will take time, but at least they'll be communication.

[Bri_1985]

they'll is supposed to be there will*

[skepticalpeach]

Pictures are great! We've used a lot of PECS (picture exchange cards). You can also download a free app to your phone called Tap to Talk. It is a basic speech app. There is also one called Choice Board Creator that works pretty well. You can take pictures of what your child likes and label them.

[edita0522]

thanks alot for all ur comments very good suggestion will def try!