Autism is a condition that affects children. It most commonly is known as a neurological disorder that affects function and growth of the brain. More commonly found in boys than girls, autism often goes unrecognized until children reach three or four years of age because of the varying rates of physical development. The condition causes an impairment of thinking and cognitive processes, inability to function in social environments and may affect a child's ability to communicate or respond to the stimulus around him. Some children and adults diagnosed with autism function at high levels of intellect and speech though others don't. Learning and understanding the basic signs and symptoms of autism may help parents identify autism in their child.
CHAT
A checklist for checking for signs of autism in children has been developed by psychiatrists in Britain, called the CHAT list. The list defines psychological markers that help individuals spot signs of autism in preschool age children or toddlers at around 18 months of age. The autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) is also a tool developed by researchers at the Autism Research Institute in the United States. Most signs and symptoms of autism begin to present when children are in the toddler stage of development, between 18 and 24 months of age. Diagnosis of autism is distinctly visual, not chemically-based, which means symptoms of autism are based on behaviors and developmental patterns noted by parents or caregivers as well as observation by medical experts.
Eye Contact
Eye contact is a form of development that most toddlers make with parents, siblings and friends. A child with autism will avoid making direct eye contact.
Attention
Following basic and simple instructions are also a common sign of normal development in toddlers. Toddlers with autism regularly ignore instruction or direction from parents for simple tasks, such as Look at this' or following instructions, such as 'Can you give me the toy?' Getting the child's attention may prove difficult or may require several attempts.
Tracking
Asking a child where something is usually prompts a response. For example, a parent who asks a toddler to show him where her bed or favorite stuffed animal is, will usually point to it. A child with autism may not be able to do that. The child may look in the direction of the object, but often will not actually point.
Measuring Skills
The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist offers indicators for speech and language communication, social skills and ability, cognitive awareness and physical behaviors. They may include asking questions regarding your toddler, such as does he or she disliked being touched ( a very common sign of autism for most toddlers) or if he rarely smiles. Does the child follow commands or respond to them? Does the child know his or her own name, use more than two or three words at a time or can explain his needs?
Sociability skills may include refusing to make eye contact, showing no affection, ignoring others, failing to greet parents or siblings and is uncooperative or resistant to communication, affection and instruction.
