Symptoms of Autism begin at the age of six months and reach full intensity, usually no later than three to four years of age. If you notice such characteristics in your child be sure to contact your healthcare provider. The sooner a diagnosis is made the better for your child and while treatment does not come in the form of a cure, it does come in the form of beneficial therapies geared towards preparing your child for as normal a life as possible. There are a variety of forms in which symptoms can manifest, and there are a variety of developmental disorders which fall within the spectrum of Autism like Asperger's, high functioning autism, autism (NOD) not otherwise determined.
Symptoms that can characterize autism include cognitive, physical, and emotional ones, such as impairments in communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. An autistic child's eating habits can also be different, taking into consideration their tendency to focus on a singular item; this may reflect itself in what type of foods they like. While this doesn't always lead to malnutrition, it is best if you try and keep your child's diet as well-balanced as possible. People who suffer from autism take things very literally. They lack the intuitive capability of understanding emotions and communication in the way others do. These two characteristics of humanity often fall within a gray area. An autistic person is only going to understand the world and its intricacies in a black and white way. Because of this autistic children and adults may seem less affectionate than others. This along with developmental delays is often when a parent begins to notice that something may not be right. Lack of eye contact or the normal attachment a child feels for its parent is an obvious clue. If you have any misgivings on the development of your child, be sure to contact your pediatrician as soon as possible.
Because the symptom of repetitive behavior is often severe, it is best to adapt your child to a schedule. In fact, an autistic child will fall into a comfortable schedule themselves. The problem occurs if this schedule is not a healthy one, or makes it difficult for both you and the child. A schedule will make life easier for you and your child. However, the ability to adapt to life is a necessity as well and while autistic children may find this difficult, teaching them to be as adaptable as possible is beneficial to their future success.
Autism symptoms do not occur individually. More often than not they will be noted in groups of three or more. Symptoms are not strictly categorized either and seep through to other developmental disorders of the autism spectrum. Because of this it is important to consult your child's pediatrician as soon as you notice anything abnormal occurring with your child's development. It may not be autism, but if it is, the sooner detected the sooner you can start therapies with your child and working to make sure their life and yours is as simple and easy as possible.
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