WHAT IS AUTISM?
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder),is a neurological and developmental disorder that is typically seen during the first three years of life. Individuals diagnosed with this disorder normally manifest developmental delays in communication, social and behavior skills. They often display characteristics that set them apart from others such as the difficulty in engaging in social relationships and an obsession with behavior patterns.
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EARLY SIGNS OF ASD IN BABIES & TODDLERS
-Doesn’t make eye contact (e.g. look at you
when being fed).
-Doesn't smile when smiled at.
-Doesn't respond to his or her name or to the
sound of a familiar voice.
-Doesn’t follow objects visually.
-Doesn't point or wave goodbye or use other
gestures to communicate.
-Doesn’t follow the gesture when you point
things out.
-Doesn’t make noises to get your attention.
-Doesn’t initiate or respond to cuddling.
-Doesn’t imitate your movements and facial
expressions.
-Doesn’t reach out to be picked up.
-Doesn’t play with other people or share
interest and enjoyment.
-Doesn’t ask for help or make other basic
requests.
AUTISM STATISTICS
As of 2018, the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) reports that 1-59 US children have ASD. Also, it is reported that boys are five times more likely to have ASD than girls.
THE FOLLOWING DELAYS WARRANT IMMEDIATE EVALUATION BY YOUR CHILDS PEDIATRICIAN
*By 6 months: No big smiles or other warm, joyful expression.
*By 9 months: No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions
*By 12 months: Lack of response to name.
*By 12 months: No babbling or “baby talk.”
*By 12 months: No back-and-forth gestures,such as pointing,showing, reaching, or waving.
*By 16 months: No spoken words.
*By 24 months: No meaningful two- word phrases that don’t involve imitating or repeating.
ASD SIGNS & SYMPTOMS IN OLDER CHILDREN
As children get older, the red flags for autism become more diverse. There are many warning signs and symptoms, but they typically revolve around impaired social skills, speech and language difficulties, non-verbal communication difficulties, and inflexible behavior.