| If you think your child has Autism, you're not | | | | exhibit inappropriate laughing (laughing when not |
| alone. There is a great deal of information about | | | | appropriate to the situation). May display tantrums |
| Autism on the web. But it can be difficult to wade | | | | for no apparent reason. May avoid cuddling. May |
| through all the various websites to determine | | | | exhibit self injurious behavior when upset i.e. biting |
| what the most common symptoms of Autism | | | | selves or banging heads. An overall difficulty |
| are. I've done a lot of research to find the most | | | | interacting with others. |
| common symptoms of Autism and am including | | | | If you see the above symptoms (or some |
| them here for your convenience. | | | | combination of these symptoms), you should |
| The research indicates the following symptoms | | | | consult with your doctor and a Psychologist |
| are the most commonly found characteristics of | | | | before drawing your own conclusions. An |
| Autism: The child is unable to coo by 12 months. | | | | important note here - I stress that it's also |
| The child also does not point or gesture by 12 | | | | important to see a Psychologist, or a Speech |
| months. The child does not say single words by | | | | Therapist, and not just take the word of your |
| 16 months. The child does not say 2 or more | | | | doctor or PCP. Although medical doctors are very |
| words by 24 months. Has lost some of social skills | | | | well trained, a Psychologist and/or Speech |
| or language abilities. | | | | Therapist have specific training in Autism and |
| Other Characteristics include: No fear of danger. | | | | other Developmental disorders and may have a |
| Over or under sensitivity to pain. May avoid eye | | | | better understanding of Autism and how to treat |
| contact with you. May prefer to be by him | | | | it. However, having said that - it's best to start by |
| herself. Has difficulty expressing what they want | | | | seeing your doctor to rule out any other medical |
| or need - may then try to use gestures. May | | | | conditions and to get their clinical opinion initially. |
| echo words or phrases. May have inappropriate | | | | I hope you find the answers you're looking for. If |
| attachments to objects. May spin his/herself or | | | | your child does have Autism, there are many |
| objects. Prolonged repetitive play. May insist on | | | | treatments available which do an excellent job of |
| things/routines always being the same. May | | | | managing the symptoms. |