Autism is a developmental disorder included in the group of disorders called autism spectrum disorders. These brain-based disorders affect a child’s behavior, social skills and communication skills. The autism spectrum disorders include autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified and Asperger's syndrome.
While not curable, autism can be treated with early intervention. Being alert to the early signs of autism can help parents and health professionals identify autistic children at an earlier age.
Diagnosis
The diagnostic criteria for autism are divided into three categories: social skills, communication and behaviors. According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, deficits in all of these areas of development are necessary to correctly diagnose patients with autism. Typically, autism is identified not in infancy, but when the toddler or older child fails to reach developmental milestones in these three areas.
Social Skills
Children with autism generally display deficits in the development of social skills. These social skills are commonly described as a child’s desire to share experiences with others. An autistic infant may not look at objects or events parents are looking at or pointing to. The baby may make little or no eye contact. Classically, autistic infants may not respond to another person’s smile or facial expressions. Normally, a 9-month-old infant should turn and make eye contact when hearing his or her name called. Failure to do so could indicate an autism spectrum disorder.
Language Development
A delay in normal language skills is a hallmark of autism but is not specific to the autism spectrum disorders. By 6 months of age, an infant should babble. By 9 months, the infant should combine multiple nonsense syllables. If the infant doesn’t use pointing, gestures or facial expressions to compensate for the lack of verbalization, autism must be considered. Also, making unusual or high-pitched sounds in place of normal infant babbling suggests autism.
Autistic Behaviors
Infants with underlying autism may demonstrate unusual behaviors such as rocking, swaying or hand-flapping. Autistic babies may not cry if in pain or may carry around unusual objects for comfort, such as a hard object like a rock or pen. Also, they may be very sensitive or not sensitive at all to smells, sounds, lights, textures and touch.
Considerations
If an infant exhibits signs of autism, it is important to relay this information to the child’s medical provider. The pediatrician or family doctor may perform or request more formal testing so that the diagnosis can be made or ruled out. Though there is no medicine for autism, various treatments may help the child progress. Early intervention can make a big difference in the lives of autistic children.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Primary Care for Children With Autism; Feb. 15, 2010.
- "Pediatrics"; Identification and Evaluation of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders; November 2007
