 Autism is one of a group of several developmental problems known as autism spectrum disorders (also known as ASDs). Autism typically appears early in childhood, usually before the age of three. While severity and symptoms may vary, all Autism disorders affect a child's ability to communicate and socially interact with others.
Current estimates suggest that one out of every 150 children in the US has Autism, and the number of cases of autism appears to be rising. What has become clear during this growing epidemic, is that early intervention offers children the best chance for improvement and recovery. Knowing this, it is important to be alert to signs and symptoms of autism in young children. Typically children with autism can be distinguished by problems in three critical areas of development -- social interaction, language development and behavior.
Some children will show early signs of autism in infancy, while others appear to develop normally and then regress, losing language and social skills. It has been said that to know a child with autism is to know just that, one child with autism. The symptoms and behavior of children with autism can vary greatly from child to child. Thus, the presence of any one or more of these symptoms, may indicate that your child needs to be evaluated for an autism spectrum disorder:
Warning Signs of Autism
Social skills
- your child has poor eye contact
- fails to respond to his/her name
- your child resists being cuddled or held
- child appears not to hear you at times
- seems to prefer being or playing alone, may retreat into his or her own world
- appears unaware and uninterested in others' feelings
Language Development
- a significant delay in language development. (Some children with autism may begin speaking much later than their peers, others may not begin speaking on their own at all.)
- Some children may begin to speak and then lose language skills.
- Children with autism may speak with an odd tone or in a sing-song or robot-like voice.
- Children with autism who speak may be unable to maintain the give and take of a true conversation.
- Autistic children may repeat words or phrases, but not use these words or phrases appropriately. (This is called echolalia)
Behavior
- Children with Autism may exhibit characteristic behaviors such as rocking, hand flapping, spinning or other repetitive behaviors.
- Children with autism are often very “routine sensitive” and will not like deviating from established daily routines. When not able to perform a routine or ritual they will often become unhappy and upset.
- Some children with autism may move constantly.
- May play with toys in an unusual way. For instance a child might be fascinated by the wheels on the car, and spin them constantly, yet not play with the car as a car.
What to do if you suspect your child has autism.
- A good first step is to contact your pediatrician. The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) has advised all pediatricians to address developmental concerns at each well-child check by asking the parents or primary caregiver if there are any developmental concerns. According to the AAP Red flags for Autism include:
- no babbling, pointing or other gesture by 12 months;
- no single words by 16 months;
- no two-word spontaneous phrases by 24 months;
- A loss of language or social skills at any age.
The presence of any of the above warning signs are absolute indications for immediate evaluation. If your child has any of these warning signs you must insist on an evaluation. Autism most often begins to be suspected when parents express concern over language delays around 18 months to 2 years of age, however there are often signs before this time. Many parents report suspecting something was wrong long before the age of two. Some of these early signs may include:
- not turning when the parent says the baby’s name;
- not turning to look when the parent points says, “Look at…”
- Not pointing themselves to show parents an interesting object or event;
- A lack of back and forth babbling;
- smiling late
- failure to make eye contact
If you feel that something is not quite right with your child’s development, persist in getting a developmental evaluation. Early therapy is the best hope for children with Autism spectrum disorders and it’s better to make sure to rule out any developmental disorders rather than miss getting your child help right away.
What to do if your pediatrician wants to “wait and see”…
- If your pediatrician is unsure and wants to “wait and see” but you are still convinced that something is going on…. PERSIST. Visits to the pediatrician are hurried affairs and don’t offer the doctor much time to really evaluate your child. Some pediatricians are more proactive than others. If your child’s pediatrician seems unwilling to act and you are still concerned, then you will have to pursue other means of having your child evaluated. As the parent, you know your child best, and as your child’s advocate you have a responsibility to act. Outside of your pediatrician you have a number of other options for pursuing an evaluation. They are as follows:
- Contact your local school district or birth to 3 program. In most states they will do a “developmental assessment” FOR FREE! The assessment may be performed by any of a number of individuals including speech, occupational, or physical therapists, but is a great place to start to get help for your child.
- You can contact a local “autism expert”. This professional may be a developmental pediatrician, a pediatric neurologist, a psychiatrist, or even a psychologist. Things to consider when selecting this professional include location, availability, and experience in dealing with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. You may want to contact a local Autism support group in your area for referrals.
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