Learn the Signs of Autism and Act Early
Autism is a growing concern in the United States, as new data shows that 1 in 110 children have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).1 Many of us may know someone with a child that has autism, but do not understand how it works or why it happens.
What is autism?
Autism is a developmental disability that is caused by a problem in the brain. It typically appears during the first three years of a child’s life and affects the ability to communicate and interact with others. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. There is no known single cause for autism, and there is no recognized cure.
The average age a child is diagnosed with autism is 4 1/2.2 By noticing the developmental signs before age 3, there is a better opportunity to dramatically reduce the symptoms of ASD. Since young brains are usually more flexible, they have a better chance to make progress through early intervention, which decreases the need for intensive supports at an older age.3
What can I do?
Paying attention to your child’s developmental progress from birth to age 3 is the best way to catch autism in its earliest stages. If you’re concerned at all with the way your child plays, learns, speaks, or acts, talk to your child’s doctor today. Here are a few milestones you can use to track your child’s progress. For a complete list, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site.
3 months
• Enjoys playing with other people and may cry when playing stops
• Opens and shuts hands
• Watches faces intently
• Begins to babble
7 months
• Enjoys social play
• Reaches with one hand
• Ability to track moving objects improves
• Responds to own name
1 year
• Cries when mother or father leaves
• Crawls forward on belly
• Responds to “no”
• Imitates gestures
2 years
• Begins to run
• Scribbles on his or her own
• Follows simple instructions
• Begins to sort by shapes and color
3 years
• Runs easily
• Turns book one page at a time
• Understands most sentences
• Expresses affection openly
Remember, these are just general timelines; all children grow and develop at their own pace, and a healthy child may achieve a milestone later than average. If you have concerns or feel that your child might have a developmental delay, trust your instincts. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider and ask for a referral to a specialist who can do a more in-depth evaluation of your child.
The information contained within this article is not meant as a substitute for professional medical advice. When differences exist between the information here and information given to you by your healthcare provider(s), you should follow the advice of your healthcare provider(s). Any additional information or clarification needed should be sought from the Physician who is familiar with the individual’s health and medical conditions.
Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html
http://www.autism-society.org
[1] CDC. http://cdc.gov/ncbddd/features/counting-autism.html
[2] CDC. http://cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html
[3] Autism Society. http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_FAQ