According to the Autism Society, approximately one out of every 110 children born is diagnosed with autism, which is a serious developmental condition belonging to a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders. The symptoms typically appear before the age of 3 and affect a child's ability to communicate and socialize with others. The earlier treatment is sought, the more effective it is.
Communication Difficulties
It is quite possible for your toddler to begin developing normally, learning and speaking new words as he should. Suddenly he may stop speaking and communicating his needs or wants to you, apparently losing any language skills he previously acquired.
On the other hand your toddler may delayed with his speech. In some cases, speaking may evade him completely. If he does speak, it may be words he has heard repeatedly; words he is simply repeating over and over again without a true understanding of how to use them.
His non-verbal skills are affected as well. Many toddlers will wave bye-bye when you do--children with autism do not. He will not make eye contact with you, or smile when you smile at him. This is because he does not understand emotion.
Lack of Social Skills
According to HelpGuide.org, lack of social skills is a trademark symptom of autism in toddlers. In fact one of the most common indicators is inability of your child to recognize or respond to his name when it is called. While he may hear you, he acts as if he does not.
Emotionally, he pulls away or stiffens when you attempt to hold or hug him. Rather than play with others, he prefers a quiet area to play in by himself. When you attempt to play a game of pat-a-cake with him, he may simply stare at you with a blank look on his face instead of engaging happily. And while many toddlers experience emotional upset when separated from a parent or trusted caregiver, toddlers with autism will not appear to be bothered by the experience.
Behavioral Indicators
Repetitive motions, such as rocking in place, hand-flapping or spinning are also commonly demonstrated in toddlers with autism. When playing, he may be fascinated with one particular object even when surrounded by a variety of toys. For instance, he may choose a car he likes and sit for hours, spinning the wheels around and around on it.
His sensitivity to light, sounds and touch may be heightened. If the television is too loud, he may begin screaming and rocking, becoming inconsolable. Yet if he touches something scalding hot, such as water or the stove-top, he won't react as if he feels pain.
A Need for Routine
The National Autistic Society of Britain states that toddlers with autism like a set routine because everything else around them is so confusing and unpredictable. With this being said, you may notice that your toddler needs his breakfast at the same time each morning and his bath at the same time each night. If you walk to the park and choose to take an alternate route that is strange to him, he may begin screaming and crying, becoming inconsolable. This may happen any time his routine is broken, and is due to the fact that his routine provides him with security and comfort. When broken, this comfort is taken away from him.
