The most current research has autism affecting 1 in 110 children, with an even more staggering statistic of 1 in 70 with respect to boys. As awareness of autism grows, many families find themselves questioning if their child could possibly have autism. There is no blood test or imaging scan that can detect autism, but rather a child must meet specific criteria outlined in the fourth edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-IV). In addition to these specific criteria that a doctor uses, there are early signs of which any person involved in a child's care should be aware.
Social Impairments
Children with autism have an impaired ability to interact socially. One sign, which can be seen in infancy, is a failure to make eye contact. Children with autism often fail to understand subtleties of language such as humor, tones of voice and facial expressions. They also have difficulty understanding the world from any point of view other than their own. As a result, children with autism are often described as in their own world or as a child who has no friends.
Speech Deficits
When a child is not speaking any words by eighteen months old, autism could be the cause. Some children with autism do speak, but in ways that are atypical. If a child's only form of speaking is by repeating what is said to him, this is a sign of autism. Children with autism are often good at memorizing songs, books or movies, but it is a cause for concern if this is their only form of language.
Repetitive Behaviors
Repetitive behaviors are another indicator of autism. Children with autism will engage in movements such as arm flapping or toe walking. Some may be overly aggressive toward others or exhibit self-injurious behaviors. A child with autism feels a need for things to be the same and can become stuck within a routine to the extent that severe behavior difficulties arise if anything is out of the ordinary.
References
- "The Autism Book"; Robert Sears; 2010
- Autism Speaks
- First Signs: Educating About Autism
