| Autism Spectrum disorders (ASD) is also known | | | | problems differently so each case needs to be |
| as autism spectrum conditions (ASC) or the | | | | treated individually. Patterns of development for |
| autism spectrum. The autism spectrum is a | | | | children with these disorders are often different. |
| variety of psychological abnormalities in social | | | | Babies are very social individuals from early on in |
| interactions and communication. It may also be | | | | life. Children on the spectrum have difficulty with |
| displayed as severely restricted interests and | | | | human interaction and oftentimes prefer to be |
| exceedingly repetitive behavior. Autism is one of | | | | alone. Children with ASD are usually interpret |
| the five autism spectrum disorders. | | | | more slowly what others are thinking and feeling. |
| These disorders are very common in the pediatric | | | | Social cues like smiling or winking have little |
| population. Recent studies show that as many as | | | | meaning and the social world may seem |
| 3.4 in every 1000 children had autism. When the | | | | bewildering. Many believe that children on the |
| diagnosis is made early on, the sooner treatment | | | | spectrum do not display affection as much either. |
| interventions can begin. Many children however, | | | | This is a controversial issue and depends on the |
| are misdiagnosed and remain undiagnosed until | | | | child involved as well as the extent to which they |
| after kindergarten. | | | | present problems. |
| Children with autism spectrum disorders show | | | | Some common problems associated with autism |
| signs of problems with social interaction, | | | | sensory disorders are sensory problems, seizure, |
| communication and repetition. Children may also | | | | fragile X syndrome, mental retardation and |
| display signs of sensory issues and trouble with | | | | tuberous sclerosis. Diagnosing problems early on |
| certain noises. They may be found covering their | | | | are critical to optimizing care. If during a "well child" |
| ears or responding to everyday noises differently | | | | check-up a doctor sees any indication, further |
| from others would. Each child will present | | | | evaluation is warranted. |