When tests for Autism are first being considered, this typically involves the use of a pre-developed checklist or screening, rather than a blood test, in order to determine if Autism is present. Despite the fact that the majority of the pediatricians that are available today will help care for autistic children, it was only recently that they reported performing routine screenings for the disorder.
Since the "Identification and Evaluation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders" clinical report was published in 2007 by the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), the hope is that more pediatricians will include screening for the disorder when infant care commences. Additionally, it is recommended that once this is established that they will continue routine screenings in all ensuing examinations.
There were three recommendations that the publication mentioned regarding Autistic children including:
o Conduct routine surveillance for autism spectrum disorders at every follow-up, well-child visit, including searching for any subtle signs of the disorder.
o Screen the child for autism using a specific or targeted screening checklist when they reach 18 years of age and again at 24 months.
o Schedule special appointments anytime you have any concerns about autism that you may have as a responsible parent would do.
Most importantly is the fact that the AAP highly recommends that all pediatricians send children for a comprehensive evaluation if the screening test results are positive. You might consider a hearing test as well as one of the warning signs is that the child either cannot hear you or appears to be ignoring what you say and not reacting normally.
The signs and symptoms exhibited by autistic children
When it comes to the early warning signs and symptoms of Autism in children, there are three distinctive behavior patterns evident when the disorder is present. They include:
o difficulties with communication and social interaction
o problems with either non-verbal or verbal communication
o repetitive behavior patterns
o narrow or extremely obsessive interests
Additionally, the impact of these warning signs and symptoms can range from very mild or slight to extremely severe and nearly disabling.
Regardless of the above, it is the inability to communicate effectively and engage in any social interaction that is considered the most prolific feature. Additionally, it is normally the parents that start seeing these warning signs and symbols. They will start seeing the child display abnormal behavior, even as early as the infancy stage. This includes being unresponsive to those around them or obsessively focusing on a single object or toy.
Additionally, a child may appear to be developing normally and then suddenly withdraw from any social interaction or be ambivalent of or indifferent to what is going on around them. Autistic children may also fail to respond to calling their names or will avoid making eye contact or maintaining it for any normal length of time. Finally, they usually cannot understand specific social clues which makes it difficult for them to interpret what others feel or think. This includes certain facial expressions and tone of voice.
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