According to the Mayo Clinic, an estimated three to six out of every 1,000 children are diagnosed with autism in the United States. It is actually a group of disorders referred to as autism spectrum disorder, and though the symptoms may vary per child, all the disorders affect a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. There is currently no cure for autism, and even though it is typically diagnosed by the age of three, early intervention can have a profound impact on the outcome. Its major symptoms are broken down into three categories: language, social interaction and behavior. The sooner you recognize these symptoms, the earlier you can seek treatment.
Language
Development delays in both verbal and non-verbal communication can be an indication of autism. According to the National Institutes of Health, each child develops at a different rate. However by the age of 18 months, your child should be saying eight to 10 words, and by the age of two should have the ability to put simple sentences together, such as, "More milk." If your child cannot do these things, it may be an indication of autism. You should also be concerned if he begins speaking and then suddenly stops; this is a common symptom of autism.
On the other hand, your child may have the ability to speak a specific word or phrase precisely, and he may repeat it over and over, yet not have the ability to comprehend its meaning. For instance he may say the words, "I love you," repeatedly, yet not make eye contact with you when he speaks them or display the typical emotion when he does. His lack of eye contact is a form of non-verbal communication that is a warning sign as well.
Social Interaction
According to Charles A. Smith, Ph.D., extension specialist of human development for National Network for Child Care, by 12 months of age, your child should have the ability to recognize family members by name. When you ask her where daddy is, she should automatically look in his direction to find him. If you call her name, she should respond by looking at you. Her inability to do these things should cause a red flag to be raised.
She may also prefer to wander off and play by herself rather than surround herself with others. When you attempt to hug her, she may either grow rigid or pull away. These are all major symptoms of autism. Autistic children do not comprehend emotion and therefore have a difficult time expressing it. By 12 months, and typically sooner, your child will approach you for affection and attention.
One other major sign is appearing unaffected when taken from her parent or caregiver and being placed with a stranger. Normally young children have difficulty being separated from their parents; autistic children show no anxiety when detached.
Behavior
According to the Mayo Clinic, one major sign of autism in children is repetitiveness. This can include behaviors, such as hand-flapping, rocking with his body for long periods of time or spinning in place. Autistic children also like routine; the same meal time, the same bed time, the same route to the park. If this routine becomes disrupted in any way, he will become extremely upset, even inconsolable or frighteningly angry.
Rather than display curiosity as many toddlers do, he may show interest or become obsessed with one object, such as a block or toy car. Finally, many autistic children have no response to pain; this proves dangerous, as he can touch something scalding hot and not realize it is hurting him. Yet he may be unusually sensitive to light or loud sounds. If your child displays any of these symptoms, you should not hesitate in having him evaluated.
