Signs of Autism, Autistic Disorder, Asperger's
The American Academy of Pediatrics is now recommending two screenings for the detection of Autism at the ages of 18 months and 24 months. This means that your pediatrician may ask you specific questions related to your child's behavior and attachment to you and others in your family. Autism is sometimes called a "spectrum disorder" because symptoms range in their severity and presentation. Differences in severity, age of onset, and level of functional impairment determine whether a child has the traditional symptoms for autism or fewer or less disabling symptoms found in Asperger's or other pervasive developmental delay.
Early screening and successful detection allows parents to address, plan, and intervene early in their child's development. If your child has been identified as having a autistic spectrum disorde, then it is beneficial to get a trained expert to help plan and implement their behavioral and educational interventions. There is a broad range of expertise in the treatment field from behavioral specialists holding a college degree to clinical psychologists and other doctorate holders. In most cases, your child's treatment would be covered under local programs funded by your local Regional Center, school district, or department of mental health.
It is estimated that 1 in 150 children have some form of autism. It is recognized that early signs of autism begin with language delays. Children develop at different rates, so you must be careful to not overly concern yourself with every aspect of development when comparing with your friend's children to your own. However, you must be concerned over these 4 RED FLAGS of autism spectrum disorder.
Symptoms of Autism
- No babbling, pointing or other gestures by 12 months old.
- No single words by 16 months old.
- No two word spontaneous phrases by 24 months old.
- Loss of language or social skills at any age.