Signs
and Symptoms of Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders |
Impaired
social skills/social interaction |
- Child
may not make eye contact or use other nonverbal
forms of communication.
- Child
does not make friends or has difficulty relating
with peers.
- Child
does not show empathy or cannot understand how someone
else feels.
- Child
does not play with others or prefers to be by himself.
- Child
does not have imaginary play or play with toys.
- Child
does not respond to his name.
|
Impaired
language and communication |
- Child
is delayed in spoken language or does not talk at
all. (About 40% of children with ASD do not talk
at all).
- Child
has difficulty starting conversations or sustaining
a conversation.
|
Other
symptoms |
- Child
is repetitive. He may repeat the same things over
and over or may develop rituals or routines.
- Child
may parrot what is said to him. This condition is
known as echolalia.
- Child
may line up toys or objects excessively.
- Child
may have repetitive body movements such as hand
flapping.
- Child
may have sensory issues. Certain textures, tastes
or sounds may bother him.
- Child
may have seizures. One in four children with ASD
have seizures.
|
How
is autism diagnosed?
Autism
is often diagnosed in early childhood. Parents or doctors
may notice social and language delays that may lead them to
seek an evaluation. Diagnosis of autism requires a thorough
evaluation by a multidisciplinary team including a neurologist,
psychologist, psychiatrist, and other professionals.
Treatment
for autism
Although
there is no cure for autism, children with autism can receive
therapy to improve their social and communication skills.
There are also medications that may help with some of the
symptoms that accompany autism.
Resources
and Information on Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism
Society of America
http://www.autism-society.org
Autism
Research Institute (ARI)
http://www.autismresearchinstitute.com
Cure
Autism Now (CAN) Foundation
http://www.cureautismnow.org
Together
for Autism
http://www.togetherforautism.org
For
support from other moms please visit Justmommies support board
for Children
With Special Needs and our Developmental
Delays message board.
Sources:
http://www.togetherforautism.org/articles/autism_symptoms_disorder.php
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dd/aic/about/default.htm
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm
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