| Though there is no definitive "cure" for autism, | | | | unable to use them again. |
| more and more treatment therapies are | | | | 3. A singsong, or robotic voice often accompanies |
| becoming available. Experts say that the earlier | | | | an autistic child's attempt to communicate, and he |
| autism is detected, the better chance a child has | | | | will often avoid looking you in the eyes as he |
| of countering the disorder. | | | | speaks. |
| Most children with autism develop normally the | | | | 4. Back and forth banter is difficult and often |
| first few months, or even the first few years. | | | | impossible for the autistic child. He seems to have |
| Then they begin to show early signs of the | | | | trouble following a conversation, and coming up |
| disorder - signs that can be easily recognized, if | | | | with an appropriate reply. |
| you know what to look for. | | | | Poor Social Skills Development: |
| There are three main components of autism: | | | | 1. Autistic children play mostly alone, ignoring other |
| behavioral issues, language deficits, and poor social | | | | children in the room. |
| skills development. Each component comes with | | | | 2. He may seem as if he's having trouble hearing - |
| its own early signs of troubles. | | | | he may ignore you when you speak to him, or |
| Behavioral Issues: | | | | not answer when his name is called. |
| 1. He may exhibit repetitive physical motion such | | | | 3. Children with autism are easily over-stimulated |
| as rocking, spinning, or head banging. | | | | and usually do not enjoy cuddling or other physical |
| 2. Children with autism often depend on routine | | | | affection. |
| and rituals, such as touching a door knob several | | | | 4. He may have no regard for the feelings of his |
| times before opening a door, or counting steps. A | | | | peers, or be unable to show compassion or |
| disruption of his routine is met with frustration and | | | | empathy |
| temper tantrums. | | | | Parents often note that their child seems to |
| 3. He may lack the ability to pay attention to | | | | "backslide" developmentally. They may originally |
| some things, but become fascinated by others. | | | | start to gain new vocabulary and begin learning to |
| 4. Though he may ignore most of the toys in the | | | | play with peers and interact with others, but then, |
| toy room, the tiniest detail, such a lever or knob | | | | almost overnight, they forget new words they've |
| on one toy may claim his attention for long | | | | learned, and become more and more withdrawn. |
| periods of time. | | | | What seemed like a normal dislike of loud noises |
| 5. Children with autism seem to be unusually | | | | suddenly seems over-sensitive. |
| sensitive to sound, light and touch. | | | | If you feel that your child is exhibiting some of |
| Language Deficits: | | | | the above symptoms, consult your doctor for a |
| 1. Though all children acquire language at a | | | | diagnosis. Behavioral therapy and drugs are |
| different pace, children with autism begin to speak | | | | available, and in some cases show remarkable |
| even later than most. | | | | rates of success. Experts agree that early |
| 2. A child exhibiting signs of autism may learn | | | | intervention is key. |
| words or phrases, but then forget them and be | | | | |