Early Signs of Autism

Nearly 1 in 166 of newborns will retreat into the world of autism. Although it is usually diagnosed when a child is three to four years old, you may sense that something is wrong as early as 18 months.

According to recent statistics, nearly 1 in 166 of newborns will retreat into a world that is hard to penetrate - the world of autism.

Although autism is usually diagnosed when a child is three to four years old, you may sense that something is wrong much earlier, sometimes as early as 18 months.

Some parents report the change as being sudden, and that their children start to reject people, act strangely, and lose language and social skills they had previously acquired. In other cases, there is a plateau, or leveling, of progress so that the difference between the child with autism and other children the same age becomes more noticeable.

As a parent who is in tune to your child's actions and reactions, you may "feel" that your child's language or social development is just not quite where you perceive it should be. You watch as emerging skills seem to stall or come to an abrupt halt. If you have voiced your concerns to your pediatrician, the physician knows that early childhood development varies and may be unwilling to label a problem too early thereby reducing expectations for your child. So a "wait and see" stance may be adopted not only by physicians, but also by daycare providers and teachers, delaying diagnosis and ultimately preventing early intervention.

If there is one thing on which virtually everyone in the autism community today agrees it is that early intervention is valuable and the earlier the better. Many professionals now believe that the benefits of an early diagnosis and intervention far outweigh the risk of an early ‘misdiagnosis.'

Even with so many media headlines about autism, many people are still wondering what the condition is, what causes it and what the cure is. Essentially, autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. Children and adults with autism have difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction and leisure or play activities. What causes autism is unknown but what is known is that the reported incidence is on the rise and presently, there is no cure.

Early indicators include:

• no babbling or pointing or other gesture by 12 months
• no words by 16 months
• lack of two-word phrases by 24 months
• using language in an unusual way, such as repeating what others say
• an apparent regression in language or social skills
• indifference to or disconnect from others (e.g. avoiding eye contact as they get older)
• overly sensitive to sensations such as sounds, touch, brightness
• reacts negatively to changes such as new foods, new clothes, different schedules or changes in plans
• engages in repetitive movements (bouncing, flapping hands, rocking), especially when excited

Studies have shown that children who receive educational intervention before the age of four years significantly improve their chances of learning new skills and adapting to their environment, when compared with children who begin intervention at a later age. Early and appropriate intervention can be the key to greater independence, better social interaction, and, ultimately, a more productive and fulfilling life as an adult.

Additionally, early intervention can impact positively on the entire family, reducing some of the anxiety and stress that plagues parents of children with disabilities.

It has become clear that there is no single best treatment package for all children with autism. So how do you as a parent start down the right path?

There are multiple resources for you to explore. For example, the Autism Society of America and the National Institute for Mental Health can help you ask the right questions about any proposed treatment plan for your child. There are also schools that provide the structured programs that can help shape your child's ability to handle everyday life as they grow.

With a need-based, structured program, every child with autism can have the opportunity to grow to his or her maximum potential. That is a wonderful thing.

Additional Resources:

Autism Society of America: Autism-Society.org

National Institute for Mental Health: Nimh.Nih.gov

Autism Research Institute: Autism.com

Autism Asperger Publishing Company: Asperger.net

The Official Autism 101 Manual Compiled by Karen L. Simmons

Your ultimate resource for understanding and responding to autism- as a parent or a professional. With 44 contributors, you learn from dozens of caring experts and supporters who bring you the best the autism community has to offer. ExceptionalResources.com

A Is for Autism, F Is For Friend By Joanna Keating-Velasco

This book provides a unique glimpse of life from the perspective of a child who has severe autism. It is told through the eyes of Chelsea, an 11-year-old girl. Giving Chelsea a voice provides a rare insight into what a child with autism faces daily. Asperger.net

Caroline Eggerding, MD