Autism is a common psychological condition and neurological development disorder that typically affects a child's social communication and interaction skills as well as being characterized by repetitive or restrictive behavior. Autism alters or changes how the nerve cell synapses connect and organize, therefore affecting the information processing capabilities of the brain. Unfortunately, Autism research still has not discovered how and why this occurs.
Autism signs will typically manifest themselves in three critical areas of an individual's development - behavioral, lingual, and social. Interestingly enough, no two children are alike when it comes to actions and skill levels even when they are diagnosed with the same type of Autism. Though the real reasons is still not obvious how children with the same level of autism display different characterized behavior pattern but symptoms and autism signs differ. Maybe the family patterns of behavior, genetic factors and environmental issues lead to the differences. However, research is being conducted to know more about the inner working of an autistic individual.
Although the different patterns of behavior are broadly similar, they can be put together under three main headings of autism signs of behavior, development milestones and social patterns of behavior. Autistic children seem to be easily disturbed by the slightest change of their normal routine, tend to flap hands, rocking, spinning, and other repetitive movements, light, sound, and touch sensitivities despite seeming nearly oblivious to pain and are extremely restless.
Autistic signs are apparent in the emotional development of the children. Developmental milestones are delayed up to 2½ years. Most of these children do not start talking or make eye contact until 2 years of age. They have no concept of a conversation. Most of them repeat phrases and words without understanding their meaning. Robot-like speech or a sing-song voice when communicating is noticed. Sometimes children regress and there is noticeable loss of previously acquired abilities such as saying certain words or speaking in complete sentences.
However there are social signs and aspect which are visible such as appearing to be unaware of other children's or another individual's feelings, poor eye contact, resisting any form of affection such as cuddling, and hugs are not particularly enjoyed. They prefer to play by themselves.
However, most of these Autism signs are common ones that you want to look for if you suspect that your child is suffering with the disorder. The more severe cases involve the complete inability to communicate or interact with other individuals. Additionally, some signs appear as early as infancy, but in other children who appear to be normal during the first few months of their lives, suddenly change without warning.
Autism signs will typically appear between the time the child has reached the age of 18 months up until they reach three years of age. Additionally, there are two other forms of the disorder in the Autism spectrum, specifically Asperger syndrome and PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified). The bottom line is that the genetics of Autism are extremely complex.
Though there is no cure of autism, research aspects are going on to find a cure but as most of the issues are genetic, the race is on. Children receiving the treatment and behavioral therapy early in life are finding a better chance of being rehabilitated.
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