| Most children with autism are diagnosed at or | | | | things tested, as a lack of hearing can explain |
| before age three. There are times when it is | | | | some behaviors and signs. A child might be |
| obvious that there might be a problem, and other | | | | non-verbal because they can't hear, and this |
| times things can go unnoticed. Children with classic | | | | would also explain why they don't react to noises |
| autism have signs and symptoms that are rather | | | | and other stimuli. Genetic testing might also be |
| obvious. However, those with higher functioning | | | | done to see if there is a different explanation for |
| forms like Asperger's may not show signs that | | | | many of the signs of developmental delay. A child |
| are not so easy to pick up on. No matter why | | | | might also be tested for seizure disorders. |
| type of function these children have, there are | | | | After this type of testing is done, and everything |
| some things that are used in diagnosing autism | | | | else is eliminated, autism is diagnosed by |
| that will be noticed in all children. Parents with | | | | behaviors. There is no medical test that can |
| concerns should see a doctor for proper diagnosis. | | | | pinpoint it, and it is more of a process of |
| Parents are the first step in diagnosis, but doctors | | | | elimination than anything. A doctor will study and |
| may notice problems before a parent. There are | | | | ask for details about behaviors related to the child |
| many signs they can see as early as age one. A | | | | and determine what type of autism that child |
| child with autism will be slow to speak or | | | | might have, and how high or low functioning they |
| communicate, if they do so at all. They may be | | | | might be. The categories that will be looked at are |
| over stimulated or under stimulated by noises and | | | | communication, socializations, and overall behaviors. |
| actions. They may play alone, and they may also | | | | A parent who is concerned should see their |
| use repetitive motions. Some children might also | | | | doctor about diagnosing autism as soon as they |
| be super sensitive to touch, and may cry out | | | | can. Most children are diagnosed by age four, but |
| when held. Others may have tantrums that seem | | | | some can be diagnosed sooner. An early diagnosis |
| to come from things that other children handle | | | | means that the child can begin treatments at a |
| well. Sometimes the smallest change in daily | | | | younger age, and this can greatly improve the |
| routine can trigger a tantrum. They might also | | | | quality of life. This is especially true for the higher |
| ignore others, and cannot seem to maintain eye | | | | functioning children with Asperger's. Though there |
| contact with anyone they don't know. Many have | | | | is no cure for autism, there are some programs |
| problems with delayed motor skills, and might | | | | these children and parents can use to help with |
| appear to be very clumsy. | | | | communication and socialization problems. Though |
| There are some things that must be eliminated | | | | it is a difficult diagnosis to accept, early treatment |
| first. A hearing test might be one of the first | | | | is best. |