Signs of Autism - What are the Early Symptoms of Autism?

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Autism is a neurological disorder that causes developmental disabilities. It

usually appears by the time a child is 3 years old.

Autism affects each person differently in its negative effects on verbal and

non-verbal communication, social interactions, and even the ability to play.

Some children with autism can be very bright although many have secondary

conditions such as mental retardation or seizures. What is lacking in all

children with autism, though, is their ability to relate to the world and other

people the way the rest of us do. They do not see the things the same way. They

do not respond the same way. They do not pick up the same clues that we do.

Parents may start to notice their child does not behave like other children.

They may be slow, often very slow, to speak. Normally most children start

speaking words once they become a year old and use simple sentences around two.

Children with autism may not have said a word during this time, and the parents

might worry that their child is hearing impaired.

Often children with autism do not smile or may have difficulty making eye

contact. They often do not respond to their own name. It's as though the parents

or other people are not even there.

They may become obsessive, playing with only one toy for hours, or exhibit

compulsive, repetitive behavior such as rocking in place or staring at their

hands for long periods of time. Normal noises or change may be intolerable.

Child development varies greatly, so it may take time for parents to realize

their child is not behaving the way other kids their age are. Parents should

always share any concerns with their child's pediatrician who can either

reassure them that they child's behavior is normal or investigate further. In

the case of not talking, the doctor can order a hearing test. After all, if the

child has a problem - whatever it is - the sooner it is diagnosed and treated,

the better.

There are no tests specifically for autism, however. Tests are run to check for

other things, such as blood tests, EEGs, MRIs, as well as the hearing test

mentioned earlier, to see if there are other explanations. Determining autism is

actually more of a team effort, though, with your pediatrician as well as

pediatric specialists (such as a neurologist, psychologist and speech and

language therapist) observing your child's behavior.

Diagnosing autism early is essential because children with autism benefit, often

greatly, from specialized treatment from doctors, therapists and teachers

trained to work with children with autism, and the earlier treatment starts, the

better.

Critical Information To Maximize the Potential of Someone With Autism:

http://www.autismgd.tk/