| With the growing awareness and recognition of | | | | 18-months. A child with Autism might not |
| the Autism epidemic in our society, more and | | | | accomplish this developmental milestone and may |
| more people now know someone affected by | | | | not participate in social games like peek-a-boo and |
| this developmental disorder. | | | | pat-a-cake. |
| According to experts and recent research, Autism | | | | Behavior: Young children with autism will often |
| can be detected and diagnosed by a well-trained | | | | develop repetitive motions. These are actions that |
| professional by the time a child reaches | | | | the child repeats over and over. Some examples |
| 18-months of age. It is very difficult to determine | | | | include flapping of the arms or repeated rocking |
| if a child younger than this age is showing signs of | | | | from side to side. This is often referred to as |
| Autism. | | | | stimming. Children with autism also often need to |
| There are, however, normal developmental | | | | have routines. They need actions to be repeated |
| milestones that parents can monitor to ensure | | | | in the same manor each time or each day. |
| their infants and toddlers are developing at a | | | | Communication: About two out of five children |
| normal rate. It is important to note that just | | | | with Autism do not talk. This is a major sign. |
| because an individual child does not meet one or | | | | Normally developing children typically start saying |
| more of these milestones it does not mean the | | | | their first words around one-year of age. Many |
| child has autism or any other disorder. All children | | | | children with Autism will only repeat what is said |
| will develop at different rates. If your child does | | | | to them, or will not speak at all. Some children |
| not meet these milestones and you feel | | | | start taking, then lose the ability or stop talking |
| something may be wrong, your best bet is to | | | | around 18-24 months. |
| consult your family physician and get your child | | | | As mentioned earlier in this article, it is important |
| tested further. | | | | to remember that all children develop and |
| There are three major areas where Autism will | | | | different rates. If your child demonstrates one or |
| present itself in children. These areas are social | | | | more of these characteristics it does not mean |
| skills, communication and behavior. Let us examine | | | | your child has autism. It might mean that you |
| each. | | | | need to discuss the subject with your family |
| Social Skills: Your child should begin imitating words | | | | physician. |
| or gestures such as hello and goodbye before | | | | |