Autistic Children

Most parents of autistic children suspect that something is wrong by the time the child is 18 months old and seek help by the time the child is age 2. Children with autism typically have difficulties in:

* Pretend play
* Social interactions
* Verbal and nonverbal communication

Some children with autism appear normal before age 1 or 2 and then suddenly "regress" and lose language or social skills they had previously gained. This is called the regressive type of autism.

People with autism may:

* Be overly sensitive in sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste (for example, they may refuse to wear "itchy" clothes and become distressed if they are forced to wear the clothes)
* Have unusual distress when routines are changed
* Perform repeated body movements
* Show unusual attachments to objects

The symptoms may vary from moderate to severe.

Communication problems may include:

* Cannot start or maintain a social conversation
* Communicates with gestures instead of words
* Develops language slowly or not at all
* Does not adjust gaze to look at objects that others are looking at
* Does not refer to self correctly (for example, says "you want water" when the child means "I want water")
* Does not point to direct others' attention to objects (occurs in the first 14 months of life)
* Repeats words or memorized passages, such as commercials
* Uses nonsense rhyming

Social interaction:

* Does not make friends
* Does not play interactive games
* Is withdrawn
* May not respond to eye contact or smiles, or may avoid eye contact
* May treat others as if they are objects
* Prefers to spend time alone, rather than with others
* Shows a lack of empathy

Response to sensory information:

* Does not startle at loud noises
* Has heightened or low senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, or taste
* May find normal noises painful and hold hands over ears
* May withdraw from physical contact because it is overstimulating or overwhelming
* Rubs surfaces, mouths or licks objects
* Seems to have a heightened or low response to pain

Play:

* Doesn't imitate the actions of others
* Prefers solitary or ritualistic play
* Shows little pretend or imaginative play

Behaviors:

* "Acts up" with intense tantrums
* Gets stuck on a single topic or task (perseveration)
* Has a short attention span
* Has very narrow interests
* Is overactive or very passive
* Shows aggression to others or self
* Shows a strong need for sameness
* Uses repetitive body movements

Hi D.,

You don't mention how old your child is so it's a little hard to give specifics. My 16 year old son has Asperger's Syndrome Disorder which is a form of Autism. He also has ADHD, ODD and Bi-Polar. As he has aged his symptoms have changed somewhat so I'm sure his symptoms now might not relate to those of your child if he/she is younger. I found a website that gives a list of things to watch for that should be quite helpful despite your childs age.

http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/autism-symptoms

And here is a website that has been quite helpful to me...

http://www.autismspeaks.org/

Good luck on your quest.

Happy Thanksgiving.

W. Q

Renee U's answer is pretty thorough, but the only way you will know is to have your child evaluated. The spectrum of autism is so large and varied, only professionals can gauge the behaviors to determine if a child is actually autistic or just has a spectrum disorder that is not actually autism. I can tell you what my son's autism looks like: he knew all his letters and numbers and had several books memorized by the time he was two. During that year, he stopped reciting those things. He always rocked back and forth on his feet, but during that year, he became fascinated with the sit and spin (still is), and he NEVER gets dizzy. He can spin for hours! He becomes distressed in loud and crowded situations. He can say lots of words but won't say them loud enough to understand most of the time. Potty training is hit and miss most days. The repetitive hand movements and squeals have gotten better since he gets some therapy now. He never colors with any purpose (scribbles, not staying in the lines)unless specifically assisted to do so. You don't mention if you are asking for a specific child or the child's age, but can I just say, if you suspect--have your child evaluated immediately and follow through with getting the child therapy right away. It is very hard sometimes, but I have heard many success stories about children getting back to almost completely normal behavior by the time they are 8 or so. School may still be a struggle but the sooner the child has assistance the better, no matter the disorder. God Bless and Keep you and yours! Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi, I just wanted to add...I strongly believe that diet and environment play a big part in the Autism Boom. Food allergies can be detected through a simple blood test. Put them on a gluten-casein free diet. Be very strict with the diet because it can take awhile to get gluten out of thier systems. Go natural, no preservatives, colors, or additives. Don't give concentrated juices. Try real juices from Whole Foods Market, Boar's Head lunchmeats, goat cheddar cheese, Lays Natural Potato Chips, EnerG brand gluten free breads, fresh fruits and vegetables. There's nothing to lose but everything to gain because it's healthy anyway. Read about and try enzymes with meals. Also, find out if your children have enough good bacteria in their bodies. Especially if antibiotics have been given to the child or the mother while they were pregnant. They may need to take probiotics to build up the good bacteria in their bodies. Most children with autism have yeast. Get rid of the yeast. Autism is an autoimmune disease. Do whatever you can to build their immune systems. Read and research everything you can. It takes alot more than therapy and drugs to get these kids better. I watched this work with my 6 1/2 year old grandson.

Every child with autism is different, so your child may do things that others do and he may not. It's hard to lump specific behaviors to ALL people with autism. My son has Asperger Syndrome, which is an autism spectrum disorder. When he was 2-ish we started seeing odd behaviors that made me think that something was going on. You need to follow what your gut tells you; if it tells you something is going on, you need to ask for an evaluation. I had several doctors that blew me off and therapists that told me he would outgrow certain things - but I persued because it was causing so much difficulty for him. Follow your gut - you are the momma & you know him better than any one else. Kids will display different behaviors at different ages & you don't mention what age your child is. Also, there are differences between autism, Asperger's & PDD (pervasive development disorder). If you want to email me off-list, please feel free to do so. I do not mind at all answering any questions you have about specific behaviors. I am on the executive committee of our local autism chapter here in Shreveport so if you need help finding resources (I didn't look to see what area you are in) I can try to help you there as well. The most important thing to remember is YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

I will tell you the little bit I've learned from my own research and experience. Many 'specialists' won't diagnose autistic children (unless it is severe) until age 3 or over because some of their behaviors-as your dr. mentioned-resembles typical 2 year old behavior. Look closely for eye contact, autistic children, even babies-will not make eye contact, I've also heard they walk on their toes when not wearing shoes-but that's not a definite predictor. My nephew has Aspergers, my sister remembers when he was a baby he never reached out for anyone else to hold him like so many babies do, as he got older he really didnt know how to play with other kids. He's noe in 7th grade, doesnt really have ant friends, but doesnt really care. He does well in school and is totally mainstream. Do some research, if you feel something is wrong find someone who can meet with him and help you on your next step. God bless.