| Autism is a brain development disorder that | | | | EARLY SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM: |
| impairs social interaction and communication and | | | | * Does not babble, point, or make meaningful |
| causes restricted and repetitive behavior, all | | | | gestures by 1 year of age |
| starting before a child is three years old. Parents | | | | * Does not speak one word by 16 months |
| usually notice early symptoms of autism in the | | | | * Does not combine two words by 2 years |
| first two years of their child's life. | | | | * Does not respond to name |
| The autism spectrum disorders can often be | | | | * Loses language or social skills |
| reliably detected by the age of 3 years, and in | | | | Some Other Symptoms: |
| some cases as early as 18 months. | | | | * Poor eye contact |
| Parents are usually the first to notice unusual | | | | * Doesn't seem to know how to play with toys |
| behaviors in their child. In some cases, the baby | | | | * Excessively lines up toys or other objects |
| seemed "different" from birth, unresponsive to | | | | * Is attached to one particular toy or object |
| people or focusing intently on one item for long | | | | * Doesn't smile |
| periods of time. The early symptoms of autism | | | | * At times seems to be hearing impaired |
| can also appear in children who seem to have | | | | Early behavioral or cognitive intervention can help |
| been developing normally. When an engaging, | | | | children gain self-care, social, and communication |
| babbling toddler suddenly becomes silent, | | | | skills. There is no known cure. Few children with |
| withdrawn, self-abusive, or indifferent to social | | | | autism live independently after reaching adulthood, |
| overtures, something is wrong. | | | | but some become successful, and an autistic |
| All children with ASD demonstrate deficits in: | | | | culture has developed, with some seeking a cure |
| 1) Social interaction, | | | | and others believing that autism is a condition |
| 2) Verbal and nonverbal communication, | | | | rather than a disorder. |
| 3) Repetitive behaviors or interests. | | | | |