Recognizing Autism in Its Earlier Stages

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.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on ADHD children please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.

Original article

Children With Autism - Recognizing the Signs

1. What is autism?

Autism is considered a spectrum disorder because symptoms and severity vary from individual to individual. Autistic children express differently from each other. Autism is characterized by failure of the child to develop communicative language or form proper social communication. But they show motor and other skills far beyond that of a mentally retarded child.

Autism is characterized by varying degrees of impairment to develop communicative language or form proper social communication. Some of them are obsessively pre occupied with inanimate objects such as lights, running water or spinning objects, and also by repetitive behaviors. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Some of them gradually develop extreme talents such as in mathematics and these are retained mostly throughout the life. Studies of people with autism have found abnormalities in several regions of the brain which suggest that autism results from a disruption of early fetal brain development

There is a milder form of the disorder known as Asperger's Syndrome. Other developmental disorders that fall under the Autism Spectrum Disorders are Rett's Syndrome, PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified), and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. If you have concerns about your child's development, don't wait: speak to your doctor about getting your child screened for autism.

2. What is meant by "On the spectrum"?
Autism is considered a spectrum disorder because symptoms and severity vary from individual to individual. Though the Autistic children show similar traits they are individual and express differently from each other. one child may have not developed speech and have difficulty in learning how to read and write, where as another child can easily read and write and can be attending normal school. Some children may display hypersensitivity to touch noise and other may have no sensory issues at all.

3. How common is autism?
According to the survey by Centers for Disease Control, autism affects as many as 1 in every 100 children and it is rising by 10-15% every year. It is the most prevalent developmental disorder in today's time. Boys are more susceptible than girls to develop Autism but it is seen that girls manifest a more severe form of the disorder that the boys.

4. How do I know my child is Autistic?
No two children with autism are alike, each one managing a different set of symptoms. But there are some signs and symptoms that are common and may be recognized as early as the toddler years, or even sooner. They usually do not have or do not sustain eye contact and have trouble communicating with other people or they may communicate in ways that others cannot easily understand. They may hardly speak and even if they speak it's just babbling and not coherent. They're also prone to repetitive behaviors like flapping their hands constantly or uttering the same phrase over and over again. They may also be over sensitive to sights, sounds and touch.

Criteria for Autism
A total Of 6 or more items of the following with at least 2 from [1], and one each from [2] and [3] are satisfied by the patient:

[1] Qualitative impairment in social interaction:

Marked impairment in facial expression
Failure to develop peer relationships
A lack of spontaneity in sharing interests
Lack of social or emotional reciprocity

[2] Qualitative impairment in communication:
Marked inability to initiate or sustain conversation with others.

[3] Restricted, repetitive and stereotyped pattern of behavior
Encompassing preoccupation with one stereotyped and restricted pattern.

5. How did my child develop autism?
No one is yet able to point to a probable cause. Though a disorder as common as autism would have a known cause, in many ways it's still quite mysteriously not known. Recent studies have suggested a strong genetic basis for autism. There are about 20 sets of genes that may play a part in the development of autism. Genes are not the only one responsible for all the cases; there are other triggers which are yet not discovered.

6. Does vaccination cause autism?
Many studies have been conducted to determine if a link exists between vaccination and increased prevalence of autism, with particular attention to the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and those containing thimerosal. These studies have not found a link between vaccines and autism It remains possible that, in cases, immunization might trigger the onset of autism symptoms in a child with an underlying medical or genetic condition.

As this is a sensitive topic it is best to discuss it with your healthcare provider who will guide you and ensure the optimal well-being of the child. Establishing open communication and trust with a physician who understands each child and his or her family is the best strategy for keeping a child healthy.

7. What help my child needs if He/She is Autistic?
Do not Panic first understand and learn about Autism from the right source that can be your doctor. You will need a good team of doctors, therapists, psychologists and teachers who understand and have experience with autism and can respond to his needs appropriately. Your healthcare provider can guide you toward various intervention programs and suggest complementary therapies. It also helps to associate with the existing network of parents facing the same challenges as you.

8. How to I deal with the diagnosis of Autism?
It is difficult to come to terms with the diagnosis that your child is having Autism but there is always a brighter side to every adversity. As we know the Autistic children have some special capabilities which the normal kids may not process. For e.g. some of the children we saw one was having an extraordinary power to memorize things only after reading once, one of them was brilliant in drawing and another in playing musical instrument. So do not blame your self or feel sad or hopeless. Take the right steps understand the disorder and if take care from your healthcare provider who will guide you with the exact nature of the disorder and how to deal with it. Keep the faith.

9. What therapies do I need for my child with Autism?
There are various therapies that are useful some of them are -
• Speech Language Therapy (SLT)
• Occupational Therapy (OT)
• Sensory Integration
• Physical Therapy (PT)
• Social Skills
• Picture Exchange Communication system
• Auditory Integration Therapy

10. What role Homeopathy plays in Autism?
Homeopathy is a holistic treatment and it plays a vital role in treatment of Autistic children. With the Constitutional Homeopathic treatment we can achieve increased level of concentration, decrease in hyperactivity and channeling of the energy in a constructive method. Homeopathic remedies act at the level of the Psycho Neuro endocrinal axis. Homeopathic treatment is safe and without side effects.

11. Can Autistic children become independent?
Yes Autistic children can become independent with the right intervention programs, therapy and proper care from the early stages once the child is detected with Autism. A sustained effort is needed to achieve the desired outcome from therapy and treatment. As Autistic children are having special capabilities which when nurtured properly can be a great asset in making the individual independent.

Dr Santosh Joshi graduated from the University of Pune India in the year 1999-2000.
With a firm grounding in classical homeopathy and the experience achieved by working with senior Homeopaths. He was an active participant in the seminars organized in Pune during his college years. He has also given case presentation on Homeopathy.He practices Homeopathy in the city of Mumbai India and he treats his global patients via the Online treatment procedure.

You can call him on: +919819155780
Email: tosh116@gmail.com

For more details visit us at: http://www.homeopathyclassical.blogspot.com/

Original article

Recognizing the Milder Symptoms of Autism

Most individuals tend to focus on Autism as the most severe disorder of all the Autism Spectrum disorders. It is typically triggered by dysfunctional neurological issues that oftentimes lead to dramatic and highly irreversible damage in behaviors, communication skills, physical development, and social interaction. The average age at which the disorder becomes detectable is three years old.

Despite the seriousness of the disorder, there are milder symptoms of Autism which are referred to as Asperger's Syndrome. Additionally, children suffering with Asperger's Syndrome usually have average to above-average IQ's. The following is information on the six most common yet milder symptoms of Autism:

Emotional concerns - individuals who suffer with milder Autism may oftentimes exhibit mood swings, even at an early stage in their lives. This is displayed when they get easily agitated because someone disrupts their "normal" routine.

Motor skill impairment - poor motor skills are usually a sign of mild Autism as well as the more severe cases. For instance, it may be difficult for them to catch a ball or there may be delays in learning handwriting skills.

Social skill impairment - another one of the skills that is usually impaired when a person exhibits the milder symptoms of Autism involves conversational difficulties, specifically starting and continuing a conversation with another individual. Additionally, the person finds it difficult to maintain eye contact with that person they are conversing with.

Obsessiveness - it is not uncommon for any child to focus on a single hobby or toy. However, when they are suffering with milder symptoms of Autism, they will not want to have anything to do with objects or toys that do not center around that favorite hobby or toy. They may talk incessantly about their obsession with that hobby or toy as well.

Repetition in speech - children with milder symptoms of Autism oftentimes repeat what they have heard from a book or on TV as well as what another person may have said to them. In many cases, this is due to the fact that the child's memorization skills are above-average compared to normal children.

Sensory issues - some children may also be suffering with sensory issue impairment. Certain things may aggravate or bother them such as bright lights, noises that are louder than normal, and the textures of certain foods.

As was mentioned above, the symptoms of Autism are usually spotted in the earlier years of a child's life. Although individuals suffering with the disorder do not always appear to be different from other individuals, their abnormalities are usually revealed in the way that they communicate, interact socially, and learn.

Finally, another aspect is that individuals who are suffering with Autism will share some common characteristics of the disorder. However, it is wrong to generalize these symptoms of Autism because of the fact that no two individuals, even those with Autism, are ever alike. Just like normal individuals, people with autism will develop distinctly unique personalities and will have different ways in which they relate to and understand the ways of the world.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on Autism please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.

Original article

Recognizing the Early Signs of Autism

Autism is growing more and more common throughout the US. In a recent study conducted by the CDC, it was estimated that 1 out of every 100 child in the country is autistic. Although many younger married couples and parents are more concerned about over population than they were during the Baby Boomer generation, Autism has now become a concern for many of the ones who want to have a family.

What's important is that you should always be monitoring your child's behavior to see if any of the early signs of Autism are present. Even the youngest of children can be diagnosed at an early age. Research has proven that the earlier the child is diagnosed and a treatment is prescribed, the better the long-range outcome will be. So what exactly do you need to watch for? Here are some of the warning signs that you should be looking for, according to the National Institute of Mental Health:

- The child does not speak a single word by the time they reach 16 months of age.
- The child is not babbling, not making any meaningful or noticeable gestures, and not pointing by the time they are 12 months old.
- They begin to lose both language and social skills.
- They do not interact with others or smile
- They do not start putting two words together by the time they are two years old.
- They don't respond to their names.
- They don't seem to know how to play with their toys.
- They focus more on lining up objects and their toys rather than other, more important issues.
- They focus obsessively on only one object or toy
- They maintain poor eye contact if any at all.
- They occasionally appear to be hearing-impaired

Although there be other Autism warning signs to be aware of, the ones above are the primary indicators of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. What's important to remember is that there are numerous explanations for the majority of these warning signs listed above.

For instance, the fact that the child is attached to one particular object or toy in itself (see point #9 above), is not a definitive sign of Autism. Conversely, a child with excellent communication, language, and reading skills can still be diagnosed as being Autistic. As an example, there are numerous children today who have been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, another form of Autism, that have exception skills in these key areas. Even children who display exceptional language skills have been diagnosed with Autism.

The diagnosis of Autism is based on a process of interviewing the parents while at the same time observing the child. This is done in order to make the right diagnosis and prescribe the proper course of treatment. Additionally, sufficient research has also revealed that in many cases of Autism, certain correlations have been found between Autism and specific physical issues. What is important is that you acquire all the knowledge that you possibly can regarding Autism so that you will be better equipped to deal with the situation.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on ADHD children please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.

Original article