| Autism does not have to be a burden on a family. | | | | Autistic children are often mistaken for children |
| Autistic children do see the world a little | | | | with hearing problems, but it is not that they |
| differently, and it is important to recognise the | | | | cannot hear you, it is simply that they are |
| signs of an autistic child and to learn how to best | | | | disinterested and therefore do not react to the |
| see to their needs and encourage their | | | | sounds. It is unusual, for example, for an autistic |
| development. | | | | baby to react to their own name, even though |
| Autism is more common in babies than we might | | | | this is quite an early event in the development of |
| think, although it is often very difficult to | | | | many children. |
| recognise the signs in very small infants. It is | | | | If you child is diagnosed as autistic, do not despair. |
| usually not until the baby is about a year old that | | | | It is still possible to integrate them successfully |
| many parents see that there is anything different | | | | into daily family life. Because of their disinterest, |
| about their child's behaviour. As with many things | | | | they often have very poor social skills, but this is |
| however, the sooner that the signs are | | | | something which you can help to develop by |
| recognised and addressed, the better it is for all | | | | following a few basic strategies. |
| concerned. | | | | Autistic children are very visual learners, they |
| Babies with autism can show unusual behavioural | | | | learn by what they see, therefore it is important |
| characteristics from a very early age, rocking and | | | | to play in a very visual way with your child. By |
| head banging are very common, and although | | | | playing extremely animated games, including lots |
| many babies who do not suffer from autism can | | | | of nursery rhymes and action songs, playing |
| share this behaviour, an autistic child will do it | | | | 'Simon Says' and other games which involve lots |
| much more frequently and persistently. An autistic | | | | of visual movement, you can help to keep your |
| baby will often show great interest in anything | | | | child's attention and develop their skills. Remember |
| which is shiny and bright, but will show no interest | | | | to have fun with your child, the more fun it is, the |
| at all in people or human contact. There eyes will | | | | longer they will keep focused and the more they |
| often have a glazed over expression, which can | | | | will learn. |
| be one of the first tell tale signs you should notice. | | | | |