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Symptoms of Autism
Typically, children are diagnosed with Autism between the
ages of 2-4 years; however the symptoms of Autism can be detected as early
as 6 months of age.
Early possible symptoms
Early possible symptoms could include: not making eye contact with parents,
not cooing or babbling, not responding when you play the peek-a-boo game
with them and not smiling when parents smile at them. These, of course,
are the very early symptoms of Autism. It is important to note that there
could be other reasons for a developmental delay or they could be just
a little behind at this stage but will catch up over time.
Other symptoms as getting older
As the child becomes older, there are other areas that you should be aware
of: if they have not made any attempt to speak after 15 months and they
are not pointing, waving or grasping in addition if they do not respond
when their name is called. They seem to be indifferent to others, in other
words, they don’t seem to really take notice of other people around them.
Repetitive body movements such as rocking and hand flapping, they also
become fixated on one particular object or item, especially one that spins.
Frustration and routine
By 24 months, children who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder or one of
the other pervasive development disorders, may still not speak or put
together two word phrases. The hand flapping may become more frequent,
often become more agitated when their routine is broken or altered i.e.
they become upset when you choose to take them for a walk in the park
and decide on a different direction to walk.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as its name states is a disorder and each
child who has Autism will be on a different level on the spectrum. Therefore,
not all symptoms or signs will be the same for all children.
Symptoms are as unique as each child
For example, we have two children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder, however,
the difference is based the types of symptoms they have shown. Our son
was non-verbal and did plenty of hand flapping and when standing, he was
moving almost in a jumping motion when excited.
Routine is the key word
He also became very upset when his routines were changed. He also was
lining up his toys and other items rather than playing with them in a
typical manner. Our daughter who is on the borderline Autism rating scale
has shown different signs of Autism. She will lie on her back and stomp
her feet repetitively. Unlike our son, she was playing with her toys in
a more typical manner and would not be as upset with routine changes.
They are quite opposite in other ways as well. Our daughter is the life
of the party while our son, till this day, still is very shy of new people.
When in doubt…
If you feel your child has the symptoms of Autism then it is imperative
that you immediately make an appointment with your family doctor to discuss
your concerns. Many parents have worried that it would be labeling their
child if they seek a professional opinion. Do not waste time here.
Early intervention
Children with Autism need to receive early intervention programs such
as: speech language pathologist, behavior therapy and child development
therapy. If a doctor tells you to wait one year to see if they will catch
up in development, then by all means seek a second or even third opinion
if necessary. Waiting to be diagnosed can be very costly. In order for
the child with ASD to reach their potential, they need to get therapy
as soon as possible. Every child with Autism Spectrum Disorder has the
potential to achieve great things. Early intervention will help them achieve
this.
My name is Sylvie Leochko. As the father of two young
autistic children, I have both learned and experienced a lot about Autism
Spectrum Disorder and its multiple faces. This is why, I am sharing with
you these symptoms which helped my husband and I to get our children’s
needs identified as soon as possible. If you wish to learn more about
Autism Spectrum Disorder, I invite you to visit the following sites: www.autism-spectrum-disorder.com
and www.autism.findoutnow.org
Recomended reading: 1001
Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
*Winner of the 2006 Teachers' Choice Award!* In a snappy, can-do format,
1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum
Disorders offers page after page of try-it-now solutions that have worked
for thousands of children grappling with social, sensory, behavioral,
and self-care issues, plus many more.
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