Autism

Autism disorders are essentially developmental disabilities that affect social interaction and communication. They are also characterized by unusual behaviors and interests. However, the spectrum of autism disorders varies greatly. It is possible for children with the exact same diagnosis to act completely different from one another and yet, exhibit varying capabilities. 

Autism and other disorders on the autism spectrum are more common than many people think. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in 110 children and one in 70 boys are diagnosed on average with a disorder on the autism spectrum. While boys are diagnosed more often than girls, both are affected. In addition, the risk of a younger sibling having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is 10 times higher if an older sibling is already diagnosed.

Early warning signs may be subtle, but they do exist and can be recognized. First Signs.org states that the earlier a child is diagnosed as having autism, the better chance an appropriate treatment can be prescribed to improve the child's quality of life. According to Autism Speaks, children as young as one year old can show signs of autism; yet, the average age of diagnoses is not until 53 months. Research has revealed that parents have valid concerns about their children's development and pediatricians are being more vigilant in monitoring for early abnormal signs. (Pediatrics Vol. 120, No. 5, Nov 2007)

Warning signs have been detailed by the CDC. Children with an autism spectrum disorder might:

• Not play pretend games (pretend to feed a doll).
• Not point at objects to show interest (point at an airplane flying over).
• Not look at objects when another person points at them.
• Have trouble relating to others or not have an interest in other people at all.
• Avoid eye contact and want to be alone.
• Have trouble understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings.
• Prefer not to be held or cuddled or might cuddle only when they want to.
• Appear to be unaware when other people talk to them but respond to other sounds.
• Be very interested in people, but not know how to talk to, play with, or relate to them.
• Repeat or echo words or phrases said to them, or repeat words or phrases in place of normal language (echolalia).
• Have trouble expressing their needs using typical words or motions.
• Repeat actions over and over again.
• Have trouble adapting to changes in routine.
• Have unusual reactions to the way things smell, taste, look, feel, or sound.
• Lose skills they once had (for instance, stop saying words they were once using).

Parents who notice any of these behaviors should consult with their child's pediatrician. For more information on testing and screening for autism, visit the CDC's website and browse the "Learn the Signs. Act Early." campaign materials. 

Other useful sites include:

Autism Society
Operation Autism (Resource Guide for Military Families)
Organization for Autism Research


This article originally appeared in Family Fundamentals (4/17/2007), a service of Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center and was adapted for use on NetWellness with permission.