Autism – know the early signs.

Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives

Autism is treatable. Children do not “outgrow” autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes. Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:
• Lack of or delay in spoken language
• Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
• Little or no eye contact
• Lack of interest in peer relationships
• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
• Persistent fixation on parts of objects

The March of Dimes has this list to help parents decide if they are actually seeing autism in their child or if it might be a normal developmental stage. Each child with autism is unique, but some common characteristics and behaviors may include (2, 3):

• Repeats words
• Doesn’t play “pretend” games
• Doesn’t point at objects or wave “bye-bye”
• Is overly active
• Has frequent temper tantrums
• Avoids eye contact
• Has difficulty starting or maintaining conversation
• Does not respond to being called by name
• Repeats actions again and again
• Focuses on single subject or activity
• Wants to be alone
• Is overly sensitive to the way things feel, sound, taste or smell
• Dislikes being held or cuddled
• Has sleep disturbances
• Lacks fear in risky situations
• Is aggressive
• Hurts himself
• Loses skills (for example, stops saying words he used to say)

Children with a mild autistic spectrum disorder called Asperger syndrome share some of the features of autism. However, children with Asperger syndrome have normal intelligence and learn to speak at the expected age.

When is autism diagnosed?    A child with autism usually does not look different from other children. The child may appear to develop normally for the first year or so of life. But during the second year of life, some children with autism begin to fall behind in social skills, fail to develop speech, or even lose skills that they had previously acquired. Autism is often diagnosed around age 3, though it can sometimes be diagnosed as early as 18 months (2).

Autsim Speaks has some excellent videos to view of children who already have the autism diagnosis.
I urge anyone and everyone to watch if they are at all concerened about thier child or are looking for help in finding assistance and resources for a child already diagnosed. If you have no real idea what autism is and what signs to look for with your child, this is a great place to start.

Other places you can go to research resources and information are as follows:

NIH

Autism Society

Talk About Curing Autism

Make an adjustment, stay healthy ~ be happy: Call Dr. Paul or Dr. Susan at 303.674.1500 or email office@fontanachiro.com

Feedback