Symptoms of Autism
Autism is a neuro developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction,verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. Autism affect one out of every 68 children in the U.S. They occur more often among boys than girls. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child’s life.
Signs of Autism-social skills
Seems unable to understand another’s feelings.
Prefers to be alone, aloft.
Unaware of/disinterested in what is going on around them.
Talks excessively about one or two topics.
Minimal acknowledgement of others.
Very little or no eye contact.
Resistance to being held or touched.
Tends to get too close when speaking to someone (lack of personal space).
Responds to social interactions, but does not initiate them.
Does not generally share observations or experiences with others.
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder that involves abnormal development and function of the brain. People with autism show decreased social communication skills and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviors or interests. Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, and occurs in approximately 1 out of every 68 births.
Behaviour – signs and symptoms
Unusual attachment to objects.
Perfectionism in certain areas.
Inability to perceive potentially dangerous situations.
Obsessions with objects, ideas or desires.
Fascination with rotation.
Language Development – signs and symptoms
Difficulty understanding directional terms (front, back, before, after).
Repeats last words or phrases several times. Makes verbal sounds while listening (echolalia).
Abnormal use of pitch, intonation, rhythm or stress while speaking.
Difficulty whispering.
Often uses short, incomplete sentences.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following strategies for helping a child to improve overall function and reach his or her potential.
Behavioral training and management:
Behavioral training and management uses positive reinforcement, self-help, and social skills training to improve behavior and communication.
Medicines:
Medicines are most commonly used to treat related conditions and problem behaviors, including depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Specialized therapies:
These include speech, occupational, and physical therapy. These therapies are important components of managing autism and should all be included in various aspects of the child’s treatment program
Community support and parent training:
Talk to your doctor or contact an advocacy group for support and training.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests targeting the main one or two problem behaviors when considering medicines. Medicines that are sometimes used to treat behaviors related to autism include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and antipsychotic medicines.
