Autism Symptoms and TreatmentsLearn how to identify the most common autism symptoms, such as hand flapping and aspergers syndrome behavior. Early symptoms of autism may include delayed toddler speech development, limited eye contact, and/or echolalia. So, if you are noticing these signs or symptoms you should be sure to review the free checklist.You may also want to consider reviewing the pages about sensory processing disorder. This disorder can be very similar to symptoms of mild autism, and often coexists with all different levels of autism. 
As a parent, it can sometimes be difficult to determine whether there is an actual speech delay or whether the child is just progressing at his/her own pace. Most school systems will evaluate your child for free and it’s better to be told that your child is progressing normally than to wait and realize you could have gotten help sooner. Although our son does not have autistic disorder, but a sensory disorder instead, we had thought something wasn’t quite right all throughout his second and third years. We finally decided to have him evaluated at 2 ½ years old. He qualified for essentially free services from a speech therapist and developmental therapist until his third birthday. General Characteristics for AutismIn general, autism symptoms will include, resistance to changes in routine, preferring to be or play alone, minimal eye contact, and speech delays. You may also notice excessive temper tantrums, preoccupation with certain objects, and odd types of play. For more general characteristics check out the link above.Autism Symptoms Checklist
I realize for some parents it can be difficult when your child may have early symptoms. It does not necessarily mean your child has autistic disorder, but if you are really concerned you should strongly consider downloading a checklist. Signs of Autism in Infants These pages help to identify early signs, so that treatment can be implemented as soon as symptoms are detected. Autism Signs as defined by the DSM-IVThis checklist is based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) behavior characteristics of autism. This is what would be used when officially diagnosing autism.Symptoms of Mild Autism
Based on the results of the checklist you may find that your child has some of the symptoms, but to a lesser degree. Your child may have perfectly normal developing speech, but limited eye contact, repetitive behaviors, and social skills deficits.Asperger Syndrome BehaviorHigh functioning autism symptoms are more commonly diagnosed as asperger disorder. In this case, you may want to download the free checklist as well as read the page with typical Aspergers symptoms.Pervasive Developmental DisordersAutistic Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder classified in the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (Fourth edition---text revision)-DSM-IV as a Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). It may also be referred as early infantile autism, childhood autism, or Kanner’s autism(1). Other developmental disorders that have similar symptoms, include:Rett’s SyndromeRett’s Syndrome involves severe speech delays and loss of social interactions. Onset is as early as 5 months of age, but prior to 4 years of age. It has four stages of development with the final stage lasting for years and resulting in prominently reduced mobility.Childhood Disintegrative DisorderChildhood disintegrative disorder is a condition that is often misdiagnosed as autistic disorder. The child will appear to be developing normally and then have a sudden regression in acquired skills. The symptoms of this disorder also include impaired social skills, verbal and nonverbal language, adaptive behavior, and repetitive stereotypical behavior.Autism CausesResearch is currently suggesting multiple causes due to so many different autism symptoms. Currently, the only known cause of autism is Fragile X Syndrome, which is a genetic condition. However, there are multiple theories including a correlation between autism and vaccinations.Autism StatisticsCharacteristics for autism are becoming more and more prevalent as statistics show an increasing trend over the past few decades. Many believe this is simply because we are better at identifying the disorder, but if this were true then where are all of the 40 or 50-year-olds that have it? In 2009 the US Centers for Disease Control revised the autism prevalence rate to one in 110 children, making the disorder almost 8 times more likely to occur than Down Syndrome.Autism Treatments
There are a variety of options available to treat autism symptoms. Some of these include applied behavior analysis, such as discrete trial training, the use of a picture exchange communication system, utilizing a special autism diet, speech therapy for children, occupational therapy for children, sensory processing disorder treatment, DIR Floortime, and Relationship Development Intervention.
Parents may also consider getting help from a behaviorist to develop a behavior intervention plan that provides proactive and reactive strategies for behaviors, such as transition strategies and/or how to deal with self injury. The behaviorist would then continue to come into the home to train the family and caregivers working with the child, help with arising challenges, and possibly even provide crisis support. Indiana also has a free program, First Steps, that is a family-centered, locally-based, coordinated system providing early intervention services to infants and young children with disabilities or who are developmentally vulnerable. Additional recommended pages: Sensory Disorder Symptoms Sensory Modulation Disorder Sensory Seeking Wilbarger Brushing Protocol ABA Schools ABA Therapists Free Child Behavior Help Book Compliance Strategies for Defiant Children – Part One Compliance Strategies for Defiant Children – Part Two Dealing with picky eaters Sleep problems Skin Picking Aggressive Behavior Potty Training Guide Child Behavior Help Resources Effects of Red Dye 40 on Behavior References1. American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Pervasive developmental disorders. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (Fourth edition---text revision (DSM-IV-TR). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association,70-75. |
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