Autism in Toddlers

Autism in toddlers is on the rise, as the fastest growing developmental disability today. It is growing at a pace of 10 to 17 percent per year. According to the Autism Society of America, 1 in 150 births, or 1 to 1.5 million Americans are facing this illness. Early detection is possible.

Learn more about the autism behavior checklist.

Autism spectrum disorders, or ASD, affect children and adults. A decade ago, many of the cases of this condition went undiagnosed or were diagnosed during elementary school. Today, tests have been designed to spot the earliest signs of autism in children as young as 14 months of age. Then, the condition can be confirmed by the time the child is three.

To get an early diagnosis like this, doctors need to look at the child's social interaction, communication abilities and play behaviors. Delays or impairments need to be monitored. Early signs include:

• Abnormalities in initiating communication with peers or others
• Significantly reduced variety of sounds, gestures, and vocabulary when communicating
• Irregular play with toys, as in the child plays with the toy in a way that is unusual
• Impaired ability to respond to or initiate communication to share opportunities with others
• Fixation on objects that have repetitive movements, like ceiling fans

As children age, the number of diagnostic tools grows. Doctors can then spot developmental delays. A behavioral assessment can be done which will look at the child's medical history, clinical observations, and parent observations and they may include developmental and intelligence testing. Physical assessments and lab tests may also be used to rule out other conditions such as lead poisoning or hearing deficiencies.

At your child's 18-month well child visit, doctors may ask you to fill out a Checklist for Autism in Toddlers. This list will give the doctor a first look at the child's behavioral skills. This type of checklist is becoming more commonly used as a regular part of well child visits. If you believe your child is at a high risk for developing autism, you may wish to request testing and diagnostic evaluations sooner.

The checklist may ask some of the following questions. Answer them honestly and thoroughly.

• Does the child enjoy swinging, bouncing on your lap or similar activities?
• Does the child play peek-a-boo and hide and seek?
• Does the child want to play or take interest in playing with other children, outside of siblings?
• Does the child attempt to climb on things, such as climbing the stairs?
• Does the child engage in pretend play of any form?
• Does the child point with his or her index finger to ask for something?
• Does your child bring objects to you to show you something about it?
• Does the child play well with smaller toys?

Doctors will further evaluate the child during their time with the child. They will look for the child's willingness and ability to make eye contact. They will also attempt to get the child to look across the room at an object, to see if the child will follow their pointing and instruction. Some doctors will try to engage the child in pretend play, such as asking them to play with a toy truck or use building blocks.

Many parents would be devastated to learn their child may have autism, but new techniques and procedures can increase your child's chances of overcoming the condition. With autism in toddlers, doctors will use a number of methods to fully investigate the child's condition.

• Specialized Therapies: These types of therapies will include physical and speech therapies.
• Behavioral Training and Management: While still young, doctors will begin to work with methods like positive reinforcement, self help and social skill improvement with child as young as three years of age.
• Parent Training: Depending on the severity of the condition, parents too may need training and support. Doctors may recommend local facilities for counseling, education and support for parents.

Autistic toddlers can see marked improvement as they age. Early detection can greatly improve your understanding of your child. It also gives your child the tools he or she needs to become the best they can be.

• 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

• Children with Rett Syndrome
• Main Page
• How to Know if Child Is Autistic
• Child Autism
• Autistic Toddlers