Autism is a part of ASD or autism spectrum disorders, a developmental disability detected generally in children younger than 3. There is a wide variety of developmental disabilities and the severity varies from child to child. The Mayo Clinic reports that all children with autism have difficulties interacting and communicating with other people, to a greater or lesser extent. The institution also states that early treatment is essential for children who suffer from autism.
Behavioral
Autism varies in the intensity with different children, but it tends to exhibit problems in several areas. Behavioral problems may present themselves in a variety of ways, too. For example, your child may be abnormally sensitive to touch, sound and light, yet not appear to notice pain. Another behavioral sign of autism is repetitive motions. These may include flapping the hands, spinning or rocking. Your child may show unusual fascination with very specific things such as only one part of a toy that moves. Autism can show itself by a very young child creating rituals that are quite specific or by moving continually. The child also may have problems with the smallest alteration in a routine such as brushing his teeth.
Language
Because autistic children find it difficult to communicate with people, they may show problems in their language and speech. For example, an autistic child may be able to recite words she has heard quite well, but may have no idea what the words mean. An autistic child also may begin speaking later than expected or may have learned sentences and words, but regresses and no longer can use them. Your child may be unable to continue a conversation with you and probably cannot start one. Other language problems can include unusual rhythms and tones in speech and your child may not be able to look you in the eyes when asking for something.
Social
The other aspect of autism is a difficulty connecting with other people and interacting with them. For example, an autistic child may have difficulties playing with other children and plays alone. She may not respond when you say her name or apparently does not hear you when you speak to her. He may not like to be held. The most common social problem for an autistic child may be an inability to experience empathy because he may not be able to understand that other people have feelings, too.
