Don't Wait to React to Autism Signs

March 29, 2009

The United Nations General Assembly designated April 2 as World Autism Day.

Autism is a complex neurological disorder that falls under the realm of a group of disorders known as pervasive developmental disorders. There is no known specific cause and it occurs in all racial, ethnic and social groups.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that one in 150 children are diagnosed with autism with boys being four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls. It has become the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. and the numbers exceed those of AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.

The features of autism are abnormal or impaired development in social interactions and communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, activities or interests. Autism interferes with a person's ability to communicate and relate to others and they may be very resistant to change. Symptoms of autism range from mild to severe with higher functioning individuals having a better prognosis. A child or adult with autism may:

• Avoid eye contact and prefer solitary play
• Be unable to play pretend games (i.e., feed doll)
• Have little if any interest in others
• Fail to point out objects of interest (i.e., airplane flying overhead)
• Prefer to not be cuddled or held or if so only on their terms
• Be interested in people but unsure how to talk or interact or play with them
• Repeat or echo phrases said to them or repeat phrases in place of normal language
• Repeat actions over and over again (flipping lights, shutting doors, flapping hands)
• Have trouble coping with change in routine
• Sensitivity or unusual reactions to way things smell, taste, look, feel or sound.

There is no cure, but individuals falling under the realm of autism spectrum disorders can usually be reliably diagnosed by the age of 3 with some researchers suggesting even earlier. Parents are often the first to notice unusual behaviors or realize their child may not be reaching developmental milestones. Some may describe a child who seems different while others will report a period of normal development followed by a loss of previous learned skills. Symptoms may initially be dismissed by professionals and family are told to "wait and see," or they will "catch up," or "boys talk later," or she's just a "late-bloomer." It is important to react immediately and seek appropriate help and or referrals if there is a concern. Early intervention is critical to help individuals with autism reach their full potential and have access to behavioral interventions and therapy. Effective programs will focus on developing the skills needed to communicate, relate to others, and learn.

Source: Coshocton Tribune

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