Classic Signs And Symptoms Of Autism

[Lawrence Sheen]

Symptoms of Autism usually present during the first year and a half of
a child's life.
Early diagnosis of autism can make a dramatic difference with the
outcome of the child's success. Although Autism does not typically
show up until at least 14 months of age there are some earlier warning
signs that can act as red flags to watch for.
All of these signs and symptoms may be indicative of several disorders
so it is important to get your child properly evaluated by a
healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
The head growth in children with Autism seems to increase
exponentially in the first twelve months. When you have your baby
evaluated at their clinic appointments, if they do not do so, ask them
to measure the circumference of the child's head and have it plotted
on the growth chart so that you can see exactly where your child is in
proportion with other children's expected growth.
If your baby is still having trouble sitting up at 10-12 months and
has a tendency to tip or not put their hands out to catch themselves
as they fall forward then you may want to mention that at your Doctors
visit.
Autistic children generally develop otherwise just like other
children, then somewhere between 14 months and 3 years they start to
regress.
Autistic children usually have problems in the following areas:
CommunicationA number of children with Autism lose any speech that
they have already developed since birth. Others speech becomes
repetitive and rather than have an actual conversation, as much as a
child will, they will repeat things they have heard or repeat the same
words over and over again. They may also develop echolalia which
basically means that the last thing that you say is what they will
answer. For example if you ask if they want a hamburger or a hot dog
they will say hot dog and if it was the hamburger that they really
wanted they will become upset that you misunderstood them. They also
have difficulty with non-verbal communication as in reading facial
expressions and have difficulty understanding humor or sarcasm.
Social InteractionUsually Autistic children withdraw. They have
difficulty making or maintaining friendships. They lose eye contact.
They are happier keeping to themselves and appear uncomfortable in
large settings of people. They are unwilling to be touched or held and
will pull away when you try.
Unusual Way Of PlayingThe Autistic child sees play objects in a
different way and will use them differently than another child. They
may like cars but will spin the wheels over and over again for hours.
They have a tendency to organize objects and will spend hours lining
them up and placing them in an order known just to them. Sometimes it
is obvious to the casual observer but oftentimes not.
The child with Autism plays solitarily unless they are needing another
person to use as an object e.g. they will sit on your lap at the table
if they know that they need to be higher up on the chair to reach it.
At these times they will simply back up and climb as they would an
object.
Autistic children may engage in repetitive movements such as flapping
of their hands or wriggling their fingers in front of their eyes.
They like a routine and will get upset if something is moved or if
there is a change in the way things are usually done.
Note well, however, that these are just warning signs and a proper
evaluation by a physician or psychologist is important to determine if
it is truly Autism or another disorder.
It is also well to note that Autism is a Spectrum Disorder meaning
that there can be a very large scale difference between one Autistic
child and another.
Early intervention is important when dealing with this spectrum, the
success of the child depends on it.

Critical Information To Maximize the Potential of Someone With Autism:
http://www.autismgd.tk/

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