Symptoms of Autism

Typically, children are diagnosed with AutismFor example, we have two children who have
between the ages of 2-4 years; however theAutism Spectrum Disorder, however, the
symptoms of Autism can be detected as early asdifference is based the types of symptoms they
6 months of age.have shown. Our son was non-verbal and did
Early possible symptomsplenty of hand flapping and when standing, he was
Early possible symptoms could include: not makingmoving almost in a jumping motion when excited.
eye contact with parents, not cooing or babbling,Routine is the key word
not responding when you play the peek-a-booHe also became very upset when his routines
game with them and not smiling when parentswere changed. He also was lining up his toys and
smile at them. These, of course, are the veryother items rather than playing with them in a
early symptoms of Autism. It is important totypical manner.
note that there could be other reasons for aOur daughter who is on the borderline Autism
developmental delay or they could be just a littlerating scale has shown different signs of Autism.
behind at this stage but will catch up over time.She will lie on her back and stomp her feet
Other symptoms as getting olderrepetitively. Unlike our son, she was playing with
As the child becomes older, there are other areasher toys in a more typical manner and would not
that you should be aware of: if they have notbe as upset with routine changes.
made any attempt to speak after 15 months andThey are quite opposite in other ways as well.
they are not pointing, waving or grasping inOur daughter is the life of the party while our
addition if they do not respond when their nameson, till this day, still is very shy of new people.
is called.When in doubt...
They seem to be indifferent to others, in otherIf you feel your child has the symptoms of
words, they don't seem to really take notice ofAutism then it is imperative that you immediately
other people around them. Repetitive bodymake an appointment with your family doctor to
movements such as rocking and hand flapping,discuss your concerns. Many parents have
they also become fixated on one particular objectworried that it would be labeling their child if they
or item, especially one that spins.seek a professional opinion. Do not waste time
Frustration and routinehere.
By 24 months, children who may have AutismEarly intervention
Spectrum Disorder or one of the other pervasiveChildren with Autism need to receive early
development disorders, may still not speak or putintervention programs such as: speech language
together two word phrases. The hand flappingpathologist, behavior therapy and child
may become more frequent, often become moredevelopment therapy. If a doctor tells you to wait
agitated when their routine is broken or altered i.e.one year to see if they will catch up in
they become upset when you choose to takedevelopment, then by all means seek a second or
them for a walk in the park and decide on aeven third opinion if necessary.
different direction to walk.Waiting to be diagnosed can be very costly. In
Autism Spectrum Disorderorder for the child with ASD to reach their
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as its namepotential, they need to get therapy as soon as
states is a disorder and each child who haspossible.
Autism will be on a different level on theEvery child with Autism Spectrum Disorder has
spectrum. Therefore, not all symptoms or signsthe potential to achieve great things. Early
will be the same for all children.intervention will help them achieve this.
Symptoms are as unique as each child