Autism is a developmental disorder that affects a person's communication ability, social skills and behavior. It is a life-long disorder that is usually diagnosed by the age of 5. Autism Speaks, an advocacy group, claims that 1 child out of 110 has autism. It is more common among boys. The number of children diagnosed with autism is growing every year, and many scientists are trying to find both the cause and a cure for this puzzling disorder.
Language Difficulties
The 9-year-old child with autism may have difficulty using language. While she may understand what others ask her, she may respond by saying, "Steven is cold" instead of "I am cold." She may repeat what others say back to them or speak in a sing-song voice. Alternatively, she may have a monotone speech pattern, regardless of what she is saying. She may scream her words, or she may not speak at all. Frequently, the child with autism will avoid eye contact while speaking with someone, and she seldom initiates conversation. Her reading skills may lag behind her peers.
Engagement in Rituals
The child with autism may engage in ritualistic behavior. He may spend an inordinate amount of time carrying out a specific task, such as loading his book bag or taking off his shoes and socks. He may want to eat the same food every day, placed in the same location on his plate. This inflexibility can lead to emotional upset or screaming when a routine is altered.
Sensitivity
According to the Mayo Clinic, the child with autism may seem sensitive to touch, bright light and loud or unexpected noises. Even though she may pull away or seem to be in pain when touched by a person or animal, she may not notice when she is truly injured.
Narrow Interests
The 9-year-old child with autism may show interest in only one or two subjects. These topics, such as trains or bugs, may be all he wishes to talk about. It is usually not an obsessive interest, as occurs when someone wants to learn more and more about a subject, but more of a repetitive interest, in which he considers the same facts over and over. The child may not communicate with people if they do not discuss his subject of interest. He may spend an inordinate amount of time staring at an object, such as a toy train.
Solo Play
The child with autism is often found playing by herself, whether engaged with one toy or being active. She will seem to have no interest in siblings or other children.
