In order to properly recognize an autistic infant or child, you have to learn all you can about Autism and its indicators. This is referred to as a neural development disorder whose primary characteristics are social interaction and communication impairment. It is also characterized by behavior that is obviously repetitive or restrictive. According to a number of medical sources, the exact cause of the disorder is not clear. However, most physicians and other health professionals agree that it is genetically related.
The information processing ability of the person's brain is greatly affected because it alters or changes how the nerve cell synapses connect with one another and then organize themselves. What is not completely understood is how and why they do this. There are two other forms - Asperger syndrome and PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified) - that we find on the Autism spectrum and which are also of interest to the specialists that work with the disorder.
Signs that indicate Autism is present
Autism in children and infants manifests itself in three critical areas of development, namely behavioral, lingual, and social. Ironically, two children can have the identical diagnosis but display totally different actions and skill levels. The following will give you an idea of the warning signs in these three critical developmental areas.
The slightest change in common routines or rituals disturbing them. They develop specific rituals or routines early on and parts of an object (e.g. a toy car's spinning wheels) fascinate them and hold their attention for long periods of time despite the presence of any type of pain. They have an unusual sensitivity to light, sound, and touch. They make constant, repetitive movements (e.g. hand-flapping, rocking, and spinning) while never keeping still for any length of time.
The primary sign that their language development is not on track can b judged by the fact that they don't begin talking until around 2 years of age. They cannot converse well or keep any conversation going and they do not make eye contact whenever they are asking for something. They tend to lose previously acquired skills such as speaking words or talking in complete sentences. They repeat phrases verbatim without fully understand their meaning, speak in an abnormal rhythm or tone, while using robot-like speech or a sing-song style of voice.
Their social skills are diminished as they appear to be unaware of another child or person's feelings and sometimes it looks as though they do not hear you or are just ignoring you. They shirk eye contact if any is made at all. Most of them do not like being cuddled or held but like to be left alone to live in their own dream-like worlds. If you have a child that is displaying any of these types of behavior, you should make an appointment with your child's pediatrician so that they can examine and test them for Autism.
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