Autism is a developmental disorder that impacts the social relationships, communication, and interests and activities of the affected person. Occurring in an estimated one of every ninety-one persons, according to a recent study published in the October 2010 issue of Pediatrics, autism is likely present from birth. The cause of autism remains unknown. The signs don't become apparent until many months or years into a child’s lifetime.
Signs in infants
According to Wayne Fisher, PhD, Director of Autism Spectrum Disorder at the Monroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, an early sign of autism in babies six months and older includes the absence of babbling and smiling when engaged by another; the first signs of missed social cues. Direct eye contact proves infrequent, replaced instead by staring at spinning or shiny objects. Unlike other babies, they often resist when someone want to hold or cuddle them.
Signs in toddlers
Autistic toddlers often do not respond to their name. Their language development begins later, and they often reverse pronouns or repeat phrases constantly. They quickly forget words and phrases they have learned. Loud noises or crowded rooms over-stimulate the autistic child, resulting in tantrums that can last up to several hours at a time. Toilet training occurs years later than in other children. The autistic toddler does not typically enjoy social games such as hide-and-seek, but prefers individual play with one particular book or toy. An autistic toddler will play with a toy truck upside-down, spinning its wheels rather than pushing it right side-up. Repetitive movements such as rocking or flapping hands are common. Autistic toddlers appear to withdraw into their own world.
Signs in early elementary schoolers
The signs of autism become more pronounced in the early school years. While the autistic student demonstrates focused interest in one subject, the switching of subjects becomes a source of frustration. He or she will easily losing interest in sports or topics where social interactions occur. Conversations often prove short, with words repeated verbatim or used incorrectly.
Perhaps the most troubling sign of autism is the young child’s lack of recognition of dangerous circumstances. Salli Jo Meredith, a Louisville, Kentucky mother of five year-old autistic son Ashton, said in an interview, “He has no sense of danger. With a baby or young child, you can usually tell them something is hot and they learn not to touch it…Ashton worries me so much because no matter how many times he is told, he will still walk out in front of a car or touch something dangerous.”
While the challenges of parenting an autistic child are many, it remains clear that the earlier it is diagnosed, the more effective the interventions are that will assist the autistic child in reaching his or her full potential.
References
- Health News: Prevalence of Autism Estimated at More than 1% of All Children
- Electronic interview with Salli Jo Meredith on April 16,2010
- MayoClinic.com: Autism:Symptoms
