All About Autism
A Brief Guide About Autism
What is Autism?
Autism is a disorder that is usually characterized by trouble with social skills and communication, repetitive behaviors or stemming, strong interests, and abnormal responses to sensory items or stimulation. It is commonly referred to as or Autism Spectrum Disorder (AU or ASD). Autism is not a "one size fits all" situation. Each individual with a diagnosis of Autism usually has thier own signs and symptoms that may be very different from someone else that is also diagnosed. If you suspect your child may have Autism seek a assessment from your mental health practitioner as soon as possible.
Does My Child Have Autism? How Do I know?
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Some early signs of Autism
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BY 9 MONTHS AGE
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Does not make eye contact
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Does not show facial expressions or respond to name
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BY 12 MONTH AGE
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Limited or no gestures
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Does not play interactive games like pat-e-cake or peek-a boo
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BY 15 MONTHS
No pointing does not interact with others interests.
Doesn't react to loud noises (keys, doorbell, phone ring etc)
BY 24 MONTHS
​ Ignores/doesn't recognize others feelings or emotions.
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BY 36 MONTHS
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Ignores/doesn't recognize other children are playing near
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Delay in speech
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BY 48 MONTHS
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Doesn't have pretend play, play with toys inappropriately. (play teacher, play like mom or dad)
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Does not sing, dance, or act for you by 60 months of age
Is there help for my child with Autism?
There is a large range of options to help your child who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Many clinically proven and evidenced based therapies exist to help with your individual situation. A combination of multiple therapies' is usually recommended. These therapies include but are not limited to ABA Therapy Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational therapy are just a few that are commonly used to assist children on the spectrim
Behaviors related to Autism
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Repetitive movements, like spinning in circle, rocking, humming, hand flapping
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Cause self-harm, like banging head or biting self
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Have routines or rituals that become hard to break
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Issues with coordination and odd patterns of movements .
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Have more intense emotional responses to simple things.
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Is fascinated by details of an object, such as the spinning wheels of a toy car, but doesn't understand the overall purpose or function of the object
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Is unusually sensitive to light, sound or touch, yet may be indifferent to pain or temperature
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Doesn't engage in imitative or make-believe play
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Fixates on an object or activity with abnormal intensity or focus
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Has specific food preferences, such as eating only a few foods, or refusing foods with a certain texture
Is there a Cause of Autism? Is There a Cure?
Is there help for my child with Autism?
There is a large range of options to help your child who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Many clinically proven and evidenced based therapies exist to help with your individual situation. A combination of multiple therapies' is usually recommended. These therapies include but are not limited to ABA Therapy Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational therapy are just a few that are commonly used to assist children on the spectrim