Autism Symptoms

If you believe that your child is developing autism, it is important to learn everything about autism symptoms. Many children who experience developmental delays in social and language skills will go on to develop normally. However, sometimes a developmental delay is the sign of a serious neurological condition such as autism. Getting a diagnosis and early intervention is the best way to make sure your child lives a full and healthy life.

Autism is a neurological disorder that severely impairs the normal development of social, language and communication skills. Children with autism are usually diagnosed by the age of two when certain developmental milestones are not met. However, sometimes autism develops later in life or the early symptoms are missed.

The Diagnostic Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), the standard classification system of American mental health professionals, classifies autism as a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Autism is one of five PDD disorders. The other four are Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Rett Syndrome and Childhood disintegrative disorder.

Autism is also categorized with the autism spectrum of disorders. The autism spectrum of disorders includes Asperger's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, Rett's Syndrome and PDD-NOS.

According to the March of Dimes, 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism in the United States. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children get screened for autism during well-baby visits at ages one through three years of age.

It is also important to remember that every case of autism is unique and each person experiences different autism symptoms and levels of impairment. However, all cases of autism have some common elements involving severe impairment of speech, communication and social skills. Affected children usually experience development delays in these areas or lose previously acquired developmental. A person with autism may exhibit some of the following symptoms:

• Limited or no speech skills
• Does not understand or respond well to verbal instruction
• Refuses to make eye contact
• Does not smile
• Prefers isolation and does not want to make friends or socialize with family
• Does not like physical contact, even hugs from parents
• Insists on a strict routine and gets very upset when the routine is interrupted
• Gets easily upset and throws frequent irrational temper tantrums
• Does not play imaginative games or pretend play
• Displays irrational repetitive behavior such as hand flapping or head banging

A person with autism symptoms may speak very little or not at all. Many do not respond to their names or follow simple instructions. Verbal conversations may be difficult to process and she may not understand or respond to common nonverbal communication gestures such as a wave. If she speaks, she may use language out of context and have trouble participating in a two-way conversation. She may speak in a monotone voice.

A person with autism may not seem to like the company of others, including family. He may have great difficulty making friends. He may prefer to play alone and typically does not play like other kids his age. He may become irrationally fixated on an object or activity for hours. Emotions and responses of others may be difficult for him to process. Due to this inability to understand common social situations, he may ignore a person trying to interact with him or respond inappropriately to a situation.

A person affected with autism may prefer a strict routine. She may throw tantrums if a routine is interrupted. She fixates on a non-toy object for hours. She may repeat words out of context. Her routine may involve unusual repetitive rituals such as arm flapping or rocking back and forth.

Other common repetitive and obsessive behaviors may include:

• Intense focus on small details or an object
• Refusal to eat any new foods and a strong preference for certain foods
• Obsessive compulsive behavior such as washing hands three times during each hand wash
• Extreme mood swings
• Aggressive behavior such as biting when angry

If you suspect that your child has autism, consult a pediatrician immediately. Request an autism screening. Research autism in the library, online and through local support groups. Learning about autism will help you select the best treatment options, doctors, teachers and therapists for your child. The Autism Society of America and the Autism Help Site are good sources to look for more information.

Do not give up hope. Despite the limitations of the condition, children with autism can lead full, healthy and productive lives with the right therapy and treatment. Early intervention helps provide the best possible outcome.

• Preschool Activities for Autistic Children
• Possible Causes of Autism
• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• What Is Your Autism Empathy Rating?

• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

• Different Levels of Autism
• High Function Autism Symptoms
• Autism Symptoms Mild
• Autism Symptoms and Treatments
• Early Symptoms of Autism