Autism is a mental health disorder that can be displayed in children as early as a few months old, but usually is diagnosed about the age of 3. A child with autism will not display the developmental patterns common in children their age, and they can have communication and social problems, reports the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Basics
According to MayoClinic.com, autism is a developmental problem that can be severe in nature and falls under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders. The severity of autism and the effects it has on the life of the individual can variety greatly from one person to another.
Significance
When a child is diagnosed correctly and early with autism, his prognosis improves. Although there is no known cure for autism, there are very effective treatments. The earlier treatments and interventions are begun, the better the outcome for the individual. Autism treatments should be started as soon as the diagnosis is verified. According to NAMI, evidence has demonstrated that children who receive intensive treatment for at least two years during their preschool years demonstrate better outcomes than those who do not receive early interventions.
Signs and Symptoms
According to NAMI, many children begin displaying signs of autism early in their development. These signs may include an absence or impairment in social play, inability to make friends, being unable to engage in conversations with others, speaking in a stereotyped or repetitive nature, using unusual language and being interested and intensely focused on abnormal things. More specific warning signs may include an inability to make eye contact, failure to respond to her name, resistance to cuddling or being held, inability to understand others' feelings, loss of previously acquired language, using a singsong voice or robotic speech, needing routines or rituals, sensitivity to light or touch and engaging in repetitive movements such as rocking or hand-flapping, reports MayoClinic.com.
Considerations
It is also important to pay attention to a child’s risk of developing autism. NAMI reports that children who develop autism may be genetically predisposed to getting the disorder; parents who already have a child diagnosed with autism have a 5 percent to 10 percent greater chance than the general population of having a second child with the disorder. Because of the genetic component, it is important to take into consideration whether other family members display the symptoms of autism. There is some evidence that the child’s environment plays a role, but researchers have yet to determine what environmental factors contribute to the development of autism, notes MayoClinic.com.
Warning
Because of the significant positive effects that early treatment and interventions can have on the lives of children with autism, discovering its presence early is important. The child’s doctor should be contacted if the child displays any signs or symptoms associated with autism. A doctor can evaluate the child or refer him for more intensive evaluation with a mental health professional, where autism can be either ruled out or diagnosed and a recommendation made for treatment.
