Autism? What is it? How do I know if my child may have signals pointing towards Autism?

A spectrum disorder better known as Autism is a complex developmental disability and most often is signaled during the first three years of a child's life. Brain development in the areas where social interaction and communication stem from are areas that can be affected in the Autistic child. Delay in developmental process by age three is common and generally affects around four time more boys than girls.

Traditionally, children and adults with Autism have difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction and how to enjoy play time and opportunity to relax and play. These activities are integral to day-to-day living and impacts the quality of the Autistic persons daily life. Communication with others and learning how to relate to the outside world stands out as one of the biggest challenges that Autistic people face. Much research and study has gone into how to help Autistic people relate and engage with people around them. Needless to say research continues to need funding to support the growing need to learn how to aid people with autism!

Follow up:

It is important to seek professional help if you are concerned about your child and if you feel they demonstrate some of the characteristics, at varying degrees listed below. The list below may display some of the following symptoms of a person with Autism and again, if you feel your child has some degree of the below symptoms then consult your child's physician.

This list can be found at http://www.autismawareness.net/
* Limited verbal and non verbal communication
* May Communicates with gestures
* Short attention span
* May experience sensory impairment
* Little interest in interaction with others
* Less responsive to non verbal communication Ð eye contact
* May be overactive/passive
* Lack of spontaneous or imaginative play
* Does not imitate others actions
* Does not initiate play
* Resistance to changes in routine
* May show aggression to self/others

Following is the list of specific diagnosis:

Asperger's Syndrome
* Impairments in social interactions
* Little interest in activities
* No significant delay in language
* Of average/above average intelligence.

Autistic Disorder
* Impairments in social interaction
* Problems with communication and imaginative play prior to 3 years of age
* Sterotyped behavours, interests and activities

Rett's Disorder
* To date has only occurred in girls
* Initial period of normal development followed by loss of previously acquired skills
* Loss of purposeful use of hands replaced with repeated hand movements

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
* Normal development for first 2 years, significant loss of previously acquired skills

Pervasive Developmental Disorder
* Child does not meet specific diagnosis
* Severe and pervasive impairment in specified behaviours