How to detect signs of autism in a child

•  Background:

Autism is a developmental disorder. The problem usually comes in the form of difficulty in communication and interaction with others. Although the child who develops autism sustains this even till their adulthood, but more emphasis is given to child autism only. Boys are 4 times more likely to have autism than girls.

•  Autism Statistics:

It is an ubiquitous disorder. In US, 1 in 500 have an autistic behavior. According to Autism Society of America, the rate of incidence of autism is increasing 10-17% per year in the US.

•  Types of autism:

Several types have been defined based on severity of the symptoms and total disability. These are:

• Classic Autism
• Asperger Syndrome
• Rett's Syndrome

•  Causes:

Causes of autism are not fully understood. Most emphasis is given on its genetic origin, although social factors and surrounding environment appears to play a major role in developing autistic behavior in children.

•  Symptoms check list:

A child may not show direct symptoms. Some of the symptoms of autism in child may include the following:

• Like to stay/play alone
• Frequent behavioral outbursts
• Does not like to have eye-to-eye contact
• Self-inflicting tendency
• Exaggerated movements
• May seem unresponsiveness to others

•  Signs of autism:

The way an autistic child behaves depends more on his surroundings as well. A child may behave differently than other autistic child. As such, it is difficult to diagnose autism. Although. early signs of autism may include decrease in activity level, abnormal pattern of speech, sleeplessness. The child may show little intellectual level than children of his/her age. This is the time when the services of a child therapist should be sought for.

Signs in a child with autism are:

•  seems to be very withdrawn.

•  difficulty in social interaction.

•  does not like to play or like to stay alone.

•  exaggerated behavior and movements.

•  flat facial expression.

•  voice and language disability.

•  self-inflicting tendency.

•  aggressive behavior.

•  Sleeplessness.

•  Treatment:

There is no known cure for autism, and no drugs are available to treat autism. But, behavior and language therapy are quite helpful in autistic children. Over time, children with the help of these therapies may improve their social behavior and language skills.

•  Autism and Asperger Syndrome:

Asperger syndrome is a condition very similar to autism.  Autism and asperger syndrome are similar in many ways such as weak language and behavior skills. But, people with asperger syndrome have a normal intellectual level and may also exhibit exceptional skills as well. They do not have learning disabilities. Like autism, they also have difficulty in social interaction, perceiving facial expressions and using body gestures normally.