Signs Of Autism

Early Signs of Autism

As a parent, you have so many things to worry about, and it seems every news broadcast and parenting magazine contains a new issue for you to ponder. There has been a lot in the news lately about autism, whether it is linked to vaccines, the broadening definition of this condition, and the increase in the number of autism diagnoses. How do you know whether your child is at risk, what the early signs of autism are, and whether your child may be in need of further testing and treatment?

A Complex Disability

Because autism is a complex developmental disability, it has no easy definition. According to the Autism Society of America (ASA), "autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a 'spectrum disorder' that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees." So, not only is there no concise definition of this disorder, there are no hard and fast rules governing the manifestation of the disorder.

Who is Affected?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2007 that autism affects an estimated 1 in 150 births in America, and that the number is on the rise. The ASA estimates that "the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million Americans in the next decade." Autism, according to the CDC, can affect any family or child, regardless of ethnic, racial, or socio-economic status, and is "four times more prevalent in boys than in girls."

Early Signs

The CDC states that autism spectrum disorders can be detected as early as 18 months of age; sings of autism generally manifest themselves when children are under age three. Of course, all children should be watched to determine if they are reaching developmental milestones at the appropriate times, but children who have a sibling or parent with an autism spectrum disorder should be watched more closely.

Autism is treatable, and, like other disorder, early detection is key to obtaining timely and effective treatment. The ASA offers several signs to look for in children, including "lack of or delay in spoken language; repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects); little or no eye contact; lack of interest in peer relationships; lack of spontaneous or make-believe play; and persistent fixation on parts of objects."

Many of autism's symptoms are associated with detachment. Children who are affected will not maintain eye contact with others or look at objects, appear unaware when spoken to, and are not communicative. Other signs of autism are an inability to adapt to change in routine and unwillingness for physical contact.

It is important for parents to remember that not all children meet developmental milestones like talking at the prescribed guidelines and that not all signs of autism are necessary to suggest evidence of this disorder need to be present in order to warrant further testing.

What if I Suspect Autism?

The first step in obtaining treatment for autism is to obtain a diagnosis, and you should start with your pediatrician. He or she may then refer you to a specialist, and you should also educate yourself of the signs and treatment of this disorder. The American Autism Society's website, at http://www.autism-society.org, is a great place for starting your research, as is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's autism overview page, located at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/