| Autism is a multifaceted brain disorder that | | | | these signs are some of the warnings that |
| influences a lot of aspects in a child's progress, | | | | parents should be vigilant of. |
| which includes his social, motor and communication | | | | What exactly are symptoms that parents should |
| skills. The good news is, there are many ongoing | | | | look out for? |
| studies which seek to understand autism. Experts | | | | Here are some warning signs that you should |
| say that early detection and treatment of autism | | | | watch for to ensure that your child is developing |
| is vital. There is increasing evidence that it's | | | | at a normal rate: |
| possible to detect autism in infants because early | | | | - One of the first signs of autism is if the baby |
| intervention can make a big difference in | | | | does not look, make eye contact, or turn after |
| minimizing the symptoms and any other negative | | | | hearing their name. |
| impact of the disorder, it is imperative for parents | | | | - If the baby doesn't smile in response. |
| to understand autism's signs and symptoms. | | | | - If the baby doesn't mimic what you're doing. |
| The symptoms of autism are normally noticeable | | | | - If the baby doesn't make attempts to talk |
| by 18 to 36 months, and other mild symptoms | | | | (gibberish, babbling) |
| may be apparent earlier than that; even during | | | | - If the baby is not visually attracted to things. |
| infancy. Therefore, parents should closely monitor | | | | Here are signs to watch out for toddlers: |
| or track their child's progress. If the symptoms | | | | - If the child is having difficulty communicating his |
| are identified by 12 months of age or earlier, | | | | needs. |
| rigorous treatment may reverse the signs. | | | | - If the child suddenly stops to make attempts to |
| Symptoms at the onset are easier to overlook | | | | talk. |
| primarily because it entails the lack of normal | | | | - If the child has trouble developing his language |
| behaviors; and not the existence of abnormal | | | | skills. |
| ones. For instance, most babies with autism | | | | It's normal for a parent to become worried once |
| normally don't reach out to get toys, or make | | | | they see their child manifest these symptoms. If |
| signals to get your attention. Most parents | | | | you have observed these signs from your infant |
| misinterpret autism symptoms as signs of being a | | | | or toddler, it's prudent for you to make an |
| "good baby," because the baby is withdrawn and | | | | appointment with your health provider. Actually, |
| is not demanding. True, a baby with those | | | | it's best if you'll have your child undergo screening |
| characteristics are easy to take care of, but | | | | even though he seems to develop normally. |